''y!rHiv(ri?i'fi'iiitlyi'i\itjvi'|i#iii'Hi^ 




Class. 

Book 

Copyright Nl 



CDEmiCHT DEPOSIT. 



FRIENDSHIP 

AND OTHER WRITINGS 

by 

ARTHUR FRANKLIN FULLER 

Author of 

THE JOYOUS LIFE CALIFORNIA POEMS 

A BOOK OF POEMS MUSIC LORE 

THE GOLDEN CHALICE 

KATHLEEN AN ODD SOLDIERY 

and Thirty-three Other Books 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

3646 Trinity Street Los Angeles, California 

Printed by The Wayside Press 
\ 311 East Fourth Street, Los Angeles 

1920 



•\ 






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<^'^^ 



COPYRIGHT DECEMBER, I920 

BY 

ARTHUR FRANKLIN FULLER 



^ 






M -3 1921 
©CI.A608006 



CONTENTS 



Page 

Essay on Friendship 5 

The Practice of Friendship 30 

Mercy 31 

The Duty of Friendship 42 

The Way Out 43 

The Eclipse of Friendship 60 

To Women Friends 63 

To Men Friends 65 

Friendly Words 71 

Friendship's Harvest 74 

Sentiments — Initiative, The Inevitable Trail — 
Equilibrium 77 

Harbor Salute 78 

The Reward of Discretion 81 

Sentiment — A True Woman 83 

As From Man to Man 84 

The Degree Conferred 87 



DEDICATION 



To those who have befriended me — those 
who have blessed me with their Friendship ; 

To those who love for the sake of loving — 
who live to do good ; 

To those who have stood by me in time of 
stress — those who love me today — those who 
will love me in the future ; 

To those who do not forget — those who un- 
derstand — those who appreciate their friends 
and the privileges of life and Friendship, this 
book is affectionately dedicated. 

THE AUTHOR. 



FRIENDSHIP 



Jubilate 
There's an oasis in the desert waste, 
There's an island in the deep; 
A trusty star in heaven is placed 
That my ship its course may keep ; 
There's a tender, lilting melody 
A-floating all around ; 
New cheer and hope and harmony 
Through the love of a friend I've found! 

Rest 

As twilight folds the tired world in its comfort- 
ing, restful embrace, so doth Friendship enfold kin- 
dred spirits in its magic, mothering clasp ; filling the 
hearts and lives of those elect who taste its worth 
and power. It diffuses a subtle, potent charm, quick- 
ening the flagging fires of life with a revivifying in- 
fluence, which warms every member of one's being. 

The Giver 

Friendship freely gives of its best, yet is never 
impoverished thereby. It ennobles the giver and 
nourishes the recipient; it builds the former and 
sustains the latter. Hence, both partake of the fare 
sublime. It seeks no reward but the blessing of the 
object of regard, and counts service and sacrifice 
only privilege and pleasure. 



6 FRIENDSHIP 

Solace 

It is a great thing to be able to stand alone or 
like a strong swimmer, to be able to breast the cur- 
rents of life and circumstance without aid. But oh, 
what a precious thing it is to find a friend! Gently, 
so gently, the spell of Friendship descends upon the 
hungering soul with solace pure and never failing — 
a heavenly manna for those who wander in the wild- 
erness of selfish motives, conflicting interests and 
carking cares met with in our workaday world. 

Natural Craving 
The human heart craves appreciation and sym- 
pathy. When the individual has reached maturity 
there are generally many shattered ideals, wrecked 
hopes, disappointments and frustrated ambitions to 
wring and burden the heart. At the office or store, 
the work-shop or usual routine, there comes a some- 
thing which makes life bearable, duty tolerable, and 
the path better. The preachers call it "brotherly 
love," women call it the same minus the "brother- 
lo," but the best term is Friendship. At all events, 
in it are summed up the mutual understanding, the 
fellowship, the approval of generous well-wishing, 
which is at once a source of cheer, backbone, and 
stimulation, and of nourishment and sustenance to 
the soul as well. We have all noticed it, experi- 
enced it, enjoyed it, and cherished it as being some- 
thing far too rare, but Oh, so rich and grateful! 

Real Value 

If humanity could only be awakened to the worth 
of the practice of kindness, the folly of money-get- 
ting, the vanity of sense-tickling and pleasure seek- 
ing there would be vastly more joy and far less woe 
in this beautiful world of ours. We scorn the idol- 
atrous heathen and continue to worship the idols of 



FRIENDSHIP 7 

Wealth, Fame, Pleasure, and particularly Self. Each 
individual sooner or later realizes the need of a 
friend — the value that a friend could be — but oft- 
times not before many an opportunity has escaped 
for being- one. But we should not forget that when 
a friend is found, a veritable mine of joy and help- 
fulness has been discovered. Almost any friend is 
good for something, but a worthy friend is one of 
God's most precious gifts. 

Good to be At Home 

How sweet, how restful it is, to have the privilege 
of laying- aside the mask, the sham, the armor, the 
bluff' of the Game of Life; and just feel free to be 
one's natural, real self — with a friend; to be loved 
for one's ideals, aspirations and conscientious ef- 
forts; fully appreciated, generously estimated as to 
character and worth. 

Inspiration 

There is Inspiration generated by Friendship — 
impetus to be one's nobler self. It is the adequate 
reward for all past endeavor; the Prize possessed, 
yet ever to be sought and kept, by faithful effort. It 
is the bottom of the otherwise bottomless pit of fail- 
ure, from which life can be revised on a better basis, 
in spite of disappointments, griefs — in spite of every- 
thing that saps one's joy and vim. 

Necessity 

"No man liveth unto himself, and no man dieth 
unto himself,'" "He who would have friends, must 
show himself friendly," are two rich quotations from 
the Big Book. No one person is likely to have all 
the faults, nor is anyone likely to have all the vir- 



8 FRIENDSHIP 

tues. This is often noticeable in the marriage of two 
honest sincere persons. However they may try to 
live up to the highest ideals of marital success, there 
is something lacking in the companion. In another 
case wherein wreck has occurred to the marital ves- 
sel, but for the sake of children, or friends, or re- 
ligious notions, it may seem desirable for them to 
continue to live together. In these cases. Friend- 
ship is the legitimate, commendable, ennobling and 
effective remedy. And this applies to frends of the 
opposite, quite as much as to those of the same, sex. 

No Limit 

And how much may such friends love? Just 
all they want to — so long as selfishness and the 
lust of concupiscence are faithfully kept out. Only 
the narrow, little, mean, covetous person will object 
to it and become jealous or critical regarding a 
wholesome, helpful, pure and lofty friendship. 
Those who are truly generous, will be glad for 
their legal partner to obtain elements they have 
personally been unable to furnish, and would grieve 
to stand in the way thereof. 

Association Sweet 

Friendship is the flower of harmony — the com- 
mingling of spirit and purpose — the essence of gen- 
erosity, good will, sympathy, understanding and 
interests, good-will, sympathy, understanding and 
appreciation. There is peace in friendship. As the 
poet has it: 

"And when our tongues no words have found, 
It's just seemed good to have you 'round." 



FRIENDSHIP 9 

The communion of friends need not be oral, chiro- 
graphic, or physical. They do not need to be "en- 
tertained." Everything is beautifully spontaneous. 
The connection may be so tender as to be telepathic. 
All that persons so blessed know, is that they feel 
refreshed and revivified after a session with the con- 
genial soul. 

Depression's Master 

When the day is dark and cold and dreary and 
one feels blue, it is a good thing to rout low spirits 
by sitting down quietly and realizing you have been 
of use. New interest in life is thus engendered; a 
desire to be of more service — to help laboring hu- 
manity. 

An active conscience is a proof of the in-dwelling 
of the Holy Spirit ; to aspire is good, but to endeavor 
is better. There is no peace like that which comes 
from knowing one's duty and having done one's 
best to fulfill it; and man has no higher duty than 
to be a friend to man — to someone. To get out and 
do something for someone is the very best remedy 
for "the blues." 

A Mission 

Friends are real treasures. No one need feel he 
lacks a mission in life so long as it is possible to be 
a friend to someone ; and no one need count himself 
poor so long as it is possible to boast one friend. Of 
all ambitions the noblest is to excel in loving, pure- 
ly, unselfishly— after the pattern of the Lord that 
bought us — even the Saviour, Christ Jesus. 

How to Qualify 

A great many people really do not know how to 
begin to be a friend to anyone, yet if advice were 



10 FRIENDSHIP 

offered, it would be resented, because of selfishness. 
There is so much difference between an acquain- 
tance and a friend. So few there are of those whom 
time and circumstance have caused our lives to 
touch, who are doing other" than that which will 
bring to them things they most desire, — amuse- 
ment, convenience, influence, or financial gain. But 
to qualify for Friendship one must cultivate an 
open, hearty, sincere and forgiving spirit — a dis- 
position to admire, appreciate and perceive the good 
in one's associates ; a person must be accommodat- 
ing and readily interest himself and respond to the 
lives and needs of others. We must be of service — 
good for something to others, as we would have 
them be of value in some way to us. To be a real 
friend one must be constant, faithful, ready, eager 
to serve — sharer in weal or woe ; a backer ; an in- 
terested spectator ; one who is as ready to sympa- 
thize with our achievements as to mourn with us in 
tribulation. 

The Difference 

The pseudo-friend is over-anxious to become 
established as confidential sharer in our store 
of good — over-willing to profit by our hold- 
ings or advantage — vavail himself of ^material 
possessions. But a real friend is one who takes a 
genuine heart interest in another's welfare; whose 
affection, esteem, respect and co-operation can cer- 
tainly be looked for at all times! A trustworthy, 
congenial fellow-traveler along the way of life — one 
whose tastes and aspirations and fields of endeavor 
parallel our own ; is a well-wisher indeed and in 
truth ; an intimate and agreeable companion. 

"By their fruits ye shall know them." Ready 



FRIENDSHIP 11 

sympathy is such a solace — understanding, toler- 
ance and forbearance are such comforts. To be a 
friend is truest heroism. The greatest battles of 
history are those fought in the hearts and minds 
of individuals as they have agonized in their "garden 
of Gethsemane." The greatest victories are those 
won against circumstance, temptation and degen- 
erate tendencies under fire. 

Succour 

The sympathy of a friend heartens a struggler as 
can nothing else. It is hard for one to have his 
patient, earnest, repeated efforts, his fortitude and 
courage, go unrecognized — find no solution to prob- 
lems in the working of which the rule has been hon- 
estly applied without success; to have careful, 
thoughtful building crumble and decay; and that, 
when he has put into it his all, be it much or little, 
of strength and intelligence — and a soul full of 
squareness. Such an one needs the buoy of sym- 
pathy, understanding, appreciation — that is, Friend- 
ship — an anchor in life's troubled sea. 

An Illustration 

There is a pseudo-friendship which is pretty good 
as far as it goes, but it goes not far enough to care 
much about because it has too much justice and not 
enough mercy in it. Let us take a case : 

Two boys who live near neighbors, grow up side 
by side, sharing as schoolmates, playmates and later 
are sent by their parents to the same college. Here 
also they are chums — they play and study together, 
smoke, eat and sleep together— and ''raise the mis- 
chief" together. When they graduate, they shake 
hands on the threshold of a new day — a day of in- 



12 FRIENDSHIP 

dependent entrance upon the field of industrial bat- 
tle — vowing eternal friendship. 

After four or five years of ever-lessening frequency 
in their correspondence, one whom we will call 
Jack, receives a telegram from his old chum whom 
we will call Tom, which reads as follows: *'Am in 
trouble, have been arrested; come here and go my 
bond/' 

If Jack is a pseudo-friend he will consider : "Well 
now, that is too bad. I am certainly sorry to hear 
that my old friend Tom is in trouble. I always did 
say I feared he would hang for his fool pranks. 
Wonder what he has been up to all these years 
since we left college? W'onder what kind of com- 
pany he has been keeping? He may be mixed up in 
some serious business. If he is, I cannot afford to 
takes sides and mix up in it — I, pillar of the church 
and highly respected in my community. No doubt 
I had better go. slow and investigate a little." 

But if Jack is a real Friend, he will not hesitate 
longer than is necessary to kiss his wife or sweet- 
heart goodbye, and then he is ofif to do all he can 
for his old chum, Tom. He will, if necessary, put up 
his business, his home and his fortune without 
weighing the matter as to whether Tom is"worthy" 
— whether he is really "in bad," or is the victim of 
circumstance. Yes, he would give his life blood for 
him if need be, provided he had not a higher duty 
elsewhere. For he knows that if Tom is a guilty 
man, he then would need a friend more than ever 
before in his life. 

Tests Welcomed 

A man should be brave enough to state his opin- 
ion, and attach his signature -or give his affidavit, no 



FRIENDSHIP 13 

matter what the circumstances requesting it may be. 
Less than a grain of sand in value, is that man who 
vaunts himself as a friend to one upon whom the 
world is showering its favors as the passing hero, 
with honors and applause ; but who, in a darker 
hour, when everythng is the reverse, skulks behind 
scruples to make sure that his own coat tails shall 
be clear in case he "stand by." Tests should not 
be sought — nor should they be side-stepped. But 
when the pinch does come, it should be welcomed 
as an opportunity to show power, stamina and 
backbone. 

No Return Demanded 

With the pseudo-friendship, it is like the selfish, 
or pseudo-love — a "give and take proposition," self- 
ish, from both participants. Iw such cases, unless 
there is objective return for every hand-clasp, every 
sprig of service and self-sacrifice, every loving 
glance, every tender vibration, every atom of pleas- 
ure, the nestling will soon take unto itself strong 
wings — will tear away from the tender bonds 
and no matter what wreck it leaves behind, 
will present its demands where they will be 
honored at face value For such souls, we 
should not wish to change the order of things. 
To destroy Reciprocity would be to compel individ- 
ual starvation. Only, the attitude is wrong. To 
offer or try to claim such a friendship or love is 
like trying to pick up an empty April-fool's purse 
found in the roadway with a string attached. 

Recognition 

Friends, like poets, are born and not made; they 
are discovered, not manufactured at will, or accord- 
ing to design and convenience. Two persons meet 



14 FRIENDSHIP 

and instinctively know that somehow they belong 
to each other — that there exists between them, a 
bond nearer than that of kindred — a relationship, 
closer than that brought about by the accident of 
birth among those of the family. 

The old story in our Christian Bible, of David 
and Jonathan is too familiar to need any detailed 
mention here, but has furnished the basis for many 
a sweet reflection by those whose hearts are ready 
to respond to the call of comradeship — to do for one 
beloved without hope of reward — merely for the joy 
of the privilege of doing. 

Scarcely less famous and quite as sweet is the 
Bible story of the love between two women — Ruth 
and Naomi. Surely it is beautiful — worthy of emu- 
lation. Also in that sacred Old Book, is the record 
of the Master's words : "Make friends even with 
the very mammon of unrighteousness (money)." 
And again, "Greater love hath no man than this; 
that a man lay down his life for his friends." And 
He did so. 

Happifying Aim 

The greatest achievement of life is to love and to 
be loved and the thing most worth while — the hap- 
pifying aim. But to love, unrequited, calls for no- 
bility of character which is not so easily attained. 
But surely, "It is more blessed to give than to re- 
ceive," and it is only selfishness that makes us desire 
pay for that which we bestow or offer. The soul 
of Friendship is generosity. 

Scope 
But the question arises, "Is there to be no limit 
to the scope of friendship?" The answer is, that it 
is right to seek and claim all one can. It is proper 



FRIENDSHIP 15 

to cull out the false and hold fast to the genuine — 
have an attitude of good-will to the former and of 
gratitude toward the latter. 

God's laws are operative — never failing. His rules 
are unbroken, immutable. If it were not so, our 
blessed, harmonious universe would go to pieces. 
Science assures us that the atoms, ions and electrons 
which compose even our steel structures, the walls 
and floors of our buildings, are constantly in motion ; 
that all of the materials which compose the human 
body are assembled in about ten months, or in the 
case of the foetus, in nine months. 

Law of Attraction 

And what is it holds these atoms, together, 
whether in concrete structures, steel frames, build- 
ings or the human temple ? The Law of Attraction 
And why do they not remain together always? Be- 
cause the Law is that they remain together only so 
long as intelligent purpose is thereby fulfilled — so 
long as worthy, appreciable results are gained 
through continued association. 

So with friends. It is right to gain as many as 
possible and get from each all of the love, time and 
attention that can be properly used, with respect to 
the mutual welfare. If we accept a friend, we also 
accept a degree of responsibility proportional to our 
influence. We may use, not mis-use nor abuse. We 
may take that which is necessary — no more. The 
relationship may continue so long as it is for the 
mutual good. "Defraud not thy brother." But in- 
sofar as the association does no injustice to anyone, 
fills out life, contributes to the joy, well-being, in- 
spiration and helpful experience. It cannot consti- 



16 FRIENDSHIP 

tute an infringement upon the Law of Righteous- 
ness The mission of the friend is to do good. To 
deny one the privilege of exercising benevolence 
and comradeship is a sin. 

Compensation 

Circumstances often compel association with per- 
sons who are not congenial, while others who are 
helpful and enjoyable are seldom seen, as Carrie 
Jacobs Bond sings : 

"Ain't it strange that for some folks 

You don't care very much, 
And for others you just care a pile. 
And the folks you don't care for 

You see every day, 
And the others, just once in a while?" 

But even yearning, disappointment, and sorrow 
often do a good work in developing the finer feel- 
ings. Also, our capacity for appreciation is hereby 
increased. Plain foods to him of the strong lusty 
digestion and keen appetite, are more enjoyed than 
luxurious diet to the weak, bilious or sated. 

Jealousy 

The habit of being grateful and cheerful cannot 
be too highly commended. Stinginess cheats itself 
out of much joy experienced in generosity. Jealousy 
not only mars the happiness of the one coveted, but 
also swindles the jealous person out of pleasure 
which would otherwise be forthcoming. 

When jealously is manifested by a friend, it shows 
the spirit of covetousness in another rank, weedy 
growth. Jealousy is seldom amendable to reason. If 
we cannot kill it out of the hearts of others, we can 
at least take proper precautions that we do not per- 



FRIENDSHIP 17 

mit its development in our own garden. All human 
love is but a stepping-stone to a higher, nobler love, 
on the plane next above. The toys of childhood 
suffice until we are ready for something better. 

Always Essential 
Marriage is a business contract which must be 
respected by both parties to be successful. The 
parties to such a contract who have not Friendship 
between them apart from the physical vibrations 
generated by special, conjugal contact have a re- 
lationship which will hardly bear the weight of time 
and care, and which will not always happify and en- 
rich; for such is the proper office of Friendship — a 
place nothing else can fill. Friendship is the chief 
preservative — the active principle of the joy of liv- 
ing. It eliminates selfishness and paves the way for 
the conception of the love of all mankind — the love 
of doing good to all men, according as we may have 
opportunity. 

Basis of Success 

Of himself, a man is nothing; but that which he 
achieves is by virtue of the blessings he has re- 
ceived through the friends that have come into his 
life — his success is the result of the loyalty and 
worth, inspiration and support of his friends. The 
chief of an army has little power of himself, but with 
the co-operation of his soldiers, the general is able 
to defend his highest conception of right and duty. 

Incipient Cynicism 

It sometimes happens that one is blind to his 

own faults and failings, having his eye full of 

criticism of the one who is most frequently in his 

thought. In that case, he becomes so busy whining 



18 FRIENDSHIP 

about not being appreciated that he fails to properly 
estimate and receive that which comes unto him, 
because the package is not wrapped in the color of 
paper he had pictured in his imagination. 

If you, kind reader, feel that you are not appre- 
ciated, turn your searching gaze inward; (this light 
of analysis and criticism), and see if you are fully 
appreciating those who are earnestly striving to 
please and who have a right to kindly considera- 
tion. Instead of being shut off from that you long 
for, have you not obstinately, contrarily shut your- 
self off? 

Consideration Due 

Friends should not be made the receptacle for our 
bad humor, our whims, peculiarities and troubles. 
We should not seek in a friend a means of venting 
our inherent smartness. We should not wish to 
pry into the private affairs, nor learn the secrets of 
a friend, nor should that friend exhibit such tenden- 
cies toward us. 

Guarding the Treasure 

Friendship imposes no obligations but seeks and 
claims multiudes of privileges of service, and that 
with joy, making life delicious. It comprehends an 
ability to overlook another's faults and weaknesses 
— to magnify the good. It predisposes to the burial 
of differences and aggression. It never boasts itself 
but is evidenced by unwavering attitude and action. 

He who imposes upon, or mis-uses, a friend is 
worse than a thief. That which is stolen in material 
effects may easily be replaced, but he who damns 
man's faith in man, makes a murderous thrust at his 
own race ; and fathers war, hatred, malice and mis- 
ery. 



FRIENDSHIP 19 

No higher compliment could be paid than to say, 
intelligently: "This is my friend!" No line of aris- 
tocracy can boast so noble a line of ancestors as 
that one may indicate with just and honest pride if 
one's people have been worthily called "friend." 
For a Friend counts it an opportunity and not a 
hardship, when in a time of need he can prove his 
worthiness by his deeds — prove his interest by in- 
sight and foresight, without having to be asked or 
urged — without surety. 

Those who are too sanguine, greedy — who try to 
get too much out of this existence — are among the 
"temperamental" people who often get the "blues." 
Let him who lacks a "life-work" — a worthy object 
for which to live and strive — just set out, at once, 
to be steadfast, constant, sincere — a vibrant harp, a 
reflecting violin ; alive to response both to strains of 
joy, and sorrow; victory or defeat; sunshine and 
shadow; striving ever to remember to be faithful 
to this ideal; to be cheer\% loyal considerate, and 
patient; always weighing well each thought before 
it is uttered ; considering each deed before perform- 
ing it ; seeing the end of the present course of con- 
duct or work, the destination whereunto the path 
vou are treading will ultimately lead. 

Recapitulation 

Friendship then, is the sacred compound of good- 
will, concord, unity of spirit, appreciation, compas- 
sion, sympathy, understanding; the ability and dis- 
position to practise over-looking faults and persist- 
ently foster virtues ; the habit of seeing the best in 
those with whom we come in contact ; the readiness 
to forgive a wTong; the alertness to bless, to do 



20 FRIENDSHIP 

good unto another; a worthy result of the vanquish- 
ment of self, the carnal mind. Friendship is evi- 
denced by pleasure in service and sacrifice; is the 
essence of that which is noblest in our character; 
the fruit of religion, philosophy and refinement; the 
flower reared of the sweetest emotions of the soul ; 
a basis for tenderness, consideration and gentleness ; 
the realization of the love of God. 

Choice 

The greatest gift of God to man is consciousness. 
But its possession involves responsibility. One of 
our most important obligations is to have a clear 
and personally definite consciousness and concep- 
tion of our class and kind — a classified realization 
of the proper place of the objects entering our field 
of vision ; the world we touch ; the things with 
which we come in contact; that which we cognize 
as exterior to ourselves. 

Principle 

We are exhorted to ''worship God in spirit and in 
truth." We are also asked, "If ye love not men 
whom ye have seen, how can ye love God whom ye 
have not seen?" Surely we need more love in the 
world — we need to learn whom and how to love. 
And the proper, the legitimate, the rose-path, is the 
way of Friendship. 

The first step is to obey the Biblical injunction, 
"Man, know thyself." This done, our next step is 
to cognize, know, our own kind — not only of spe- 
cies but of nature — spirit — aspiration and type. 

The next step is to apply the principle, which is 
best begun and continued in Service. Thereby we 



FRIENDSHIP 21 

live the successful, happifying^ life — by the persis- 
tent habit of living for others ; to live to be useful 
to our kind. 

In order to be useful we must see clearly that it 
is for us to OURSELVES be the benediction we 
would wish God to bestow upon our objects of spec- 
ial responsibility and interest; upon our kind — those 
who are close to us. It is best in our systematic 
endeavors to be good (God) to those about us — 
that which touches our lives — let each first bless 
each his own kind. Let the dog bless the dog; let 
the fish bless fish; the bird bless the bird; and man- 
kind bless mankind. Thus will our attentions be 
most easily understood and appreciated, and we will 
not only get maximum results for the effort ex- 
pended, but we will also save cheating in two ways 
— preventing a member of the kind in question bless- 
ing best his kind, as perhaps he cannot bless the 
higher, different type, but we will also avoid deny- 
ing the fellowship of our own type. And this is the 
law. The higher type should help the lower ; but 
the main points and general concourse must be kind 
to kind. We belittle our type and transgress the 
law, violate the proprieties of the Creator when we 
play the outlaw and make our habit otherwise. 

Of the higher laws, it is possible for us to be- 
come Christlike and children of God by choosing for 
our rule of life, the first law — the law of Love — the 
law of kindness. Kndness should be our habit — 
kindness to everything. Everything loves its life — 
wants to maintain its integrity and fulfill its pur- 
pose and destiny. Use people and things only for 
the particular purposes for which they were in- 
tended by nature and structure to fulfill. This is 
being natural, wholesome. 



22 FRIENDSHIP 

Purpose 

Friendship is a blessed means of proving the 
proposition that it really is more blessed to give 
than to receive. Friendship is for the expression 
of appreciation, and understanding and the sweet 
spirit of reciprocity; yes, and for gratitude toward 
God in our kind. It is the wholesome communion 
of sincere souls who count it good to be alive. 

But if we would be worthy of the great blessing 

of Friendship, we must be ready to really be a 
friend. We must learn to shut the door of our 
thought to the negativeness that produces only after 
its kind and open our hearts to receive with joy, the 
good things we find near us — waiting for our ac- 
ceptance. Let us not continually affront the Good 
God by forever refusing gracious reception of His 
beneficence, by any fancied virtue of self-denial. 
Friendship and its fruits are necessary to our life, 
prosperity and development. For, "No man liveth 
unto himself and no man dieth unto himself." 

Duty of Acceptance 

Let us rise and clear away the shades of gloom, 
self-pity and self-love that put us in the dungeon 
of Misery. Throu' open the doors and let in the 
blessed sunshine in trustful acceptance that the good 
thing that comes to us is of God — the blessed An- 
swer to our prayers — those earnest, unspoken and 
unspeakable desires of the heart. Perchance that 
for which we are sorrowfully yearning is here in 
our lives today and we are blindly refusing it. 

Since so much of life is disappointment, care and 
sacrifice, losses and crosses, we should learn to love 
them as the hard lessons that teach us the way of 
life and the strenuous exercises that makes us strong 



FRIENDSHIP 23 

enough for the next step advancing along the high 
road of Progress toward the mountain top of Per- 
fection. But let us not get into such a habit of 
self-abnegation and denial that we refuse refresh- 
ment and happiness when it is offered us. God does 
allow that His creatures be happy and rejoice in His 
goodness. 

Avoid Exaction 

But in our ideality, let us not demand too much 
perfection of our friends. Likely every friendship 
will result in some measure of disappointment. But 
this is merely an opportunity to "be tender-hearted 
one to another, forgiving one another even as God 
hath for Christ's sake, forgiven you." Look upon 
such an occasion as an opportunity to be charitable, 
generous, indulgent. Friendship is certainly the 
best thing in this life, and the finer souls will ever 
yearn for it, cherish it, and strive to be true to their 
noblest concepts in regard to the faithful discharge 
of its obligations. 

Dignity of Friendship 

If you offer your priceless gift of Friendship and 
it be rejected, feel no resentment. To offer a gift 
to one who is unworthy by reason of undevelop- 
ment, is merely to cast pearls before swine. There 
are those who are little and mean and have their 
failings covered by a veneer of external sweetness 
which is only exercised when there is no excuse 
to do otherwise. 

But the selfish life, with its anger, jealousy, pride, 
sensitiveness, envy, hatred, malice and uncharitable- 
ness, is merely the disposition to see life and its 
privileges through a pinhole and so limit the vision. 



24 FRIENDSHIP 

Faith 

To be broad, gentle, forgiving, is greater than 
personal triumphs. To trust that one's friend has 
nothing but love, good-will, good intentions and 
blessings for one, is a great preventive of mis- 
understandings and misinterpretation of deeds done 
under circumstances which may throw them tem- 
porarily into a bad light. 

Sharing 

Covetousness says : "I want all." Good Sense 
says : "I want only what I need." A dog eats and 
leaves what he cannot use for his fellows. But 
humans so often want to grasp everything, both 
what they need for themselves and all else they can 
seize and hold, preferring to retain the surplus for 
their heirs rather than to permit the less fortunate 
to prosper — rather than to bless the present gen- 
eration. 

Avoidance of Ready Condemnation 

Be not over-ready to find a friend guilty of mis- 
demeanor or disloyalty or selfishness, but always be 
ready to give the friend the benefit of a possible 
doubt. Do not be disposed to jump at conclusions 
which would do damage to the best thing you have 
found in the world — Friendship — and your estimate 
of a member of your own kind. Doubtless this 
tableau is but a picture of yourself in another cir- 
cumstance with your beloved friend as the villian 
this time instead of yourself. 

Study Laws of Harmony 

Learn to harmonize — be in accord. Cultivate the 
disposition to agree instead of antagonize and differ. 



FRIENDSHIP 25 

Do not be overfond of your own opinion or think too 
highly of your own judgment. Humility is one of 
the greatest of virtues. Always admit the possi- 
bility of your being in error. It certainly does, take 
two to make a quarrel. If you refuse to contend, 
anger must die. 

Spirit Benign 

Love is surely the greatest thing in this world or 
anywhere else. There are many brands and all are 
good except one — self-love. But this kind which 
we term kindness, benevolence, etc., seems to me 
the greatest of all, being the type found in mother- 
love, and which we call Friendship, for it gives all 
and asks nothing in return ; whereas every other 
form seems to say : "I will do so-and-so for you — 
what do I get back? If you do not appreciate me 
and what I sacrifice for you and do for you, I will 
be done with you and will regret having done any- 
thing for you and wasted my regard on an unworthy 
person !" 

But Friendship says : "Don't bother to thank me 
or try to be grateful for anything I can do for you. 
The privilege of service, of benefiting, and the 
effort of trying to do good, is most salutary exercise. 
It is the giver who is most blest — not the recipient 
I have my reward from the impulse to express the 
love that wells up within me'.' 

Evening 

It need not depress those who trust in God to real- 
ize that even our sun — source of life, power growth, 
the center of our solar system — has but his day — 
dawn, zenith, evening. So with artists, actors, pugi- 
lists, wrestlers, poets, authors, pianists, singers. By 



26 FRIENDSHIP 

one means or another — a phenomen over which 
they have little control — the conditions are right for 
one out of the many aspirants, to make good and 
rise as a sun over his fellows and shine forth in 
strength. Yet there is a zenith and point of wan- 
ing. It is so in physical experience. We find 
youth, prime, and old age. And perhaps also in love 
and in the ability to attract and hold friends. Noth- 
ing seems steadfast or permanent or dependable. 
As the proverb goes, "Even this shall pass away." 

A Friendship Outgrown 

Eflforts may not always result in success, in fame 
or riches. Sometimes friends change or lose interest 
— our sunship on the wane. But the love we have 
for them has made us richer — life has been sweeter 
because of them. The love we put into our work, 
loving the common task, no matter how homely and 
unattractive — loving it for the occupation it gives 
us — the assurance that we are doing something 
which makes our lives useful — a blessing to some- 
one. That pays. The love we have for our work, 
our studies, our progress and unfoldment — it never 
comes back in bitterness. 

Individual needs differ. Goals differ. Some learn 
their lessons more quickly than others. We may 
wait a little while for a tardy friend to catch up, 
but when the condition of mutual benefit has 
ceased, it is useless to try to drag a slothful, dila- 
tory, backward friend along. When the rate of 
development is so slow that the grown man is still 
dawdling along with the toys of childhood — the 
things of the world and personal pleasure — the 
things of flesh — then the friendship has been out- 
grown and we pack a mummy around with us, when 



FRIENDSHIP 27 

we try to cling to the dead thing that once had 
life and power to bless. Furthermore, there is com- 
pensation for giving up the old and worn-out, in 
acquiring the new. Such pleasure is like that ex- 
perienced in laying aside tattered or threadbare 
garments for new. 

Keeping Friends 

It is vain to fancy that a friendship once formed 
means the development of perpetual motion — that 
it will go by itself. Friendship must be renewed to 
continue to live. As the musician or artist or ath* 
lete must be made fit by proper preparation and 
training so to keep fit, he must continue these salu- 
tary practices Like a garden, Friendship must be 
cultivated, nurtured, fostered. 

We may acquire a facility for making friends— 
but it takes character, thought, and effort 
to retain them. Even then, in spite of our best 
efforts, we will likely find that estrangements will 
occur or circumstances develop which dim the 
brightness of this crown of life. The remedy is not 
in bitterness of spirit, but in constantly maintaining 
a genial, accommodating, helpful, cheerful, friendly 
mien and thereby attracting new friends which will 
enrich your life as you enrich theirs, more than mak- 
ing up for the thing lost. Thereby we can dem- 
onstrate that it really does pay to "keep sweet." 

Practising Charity 

Toward prolonging the life of friendship and mul- 
tiplying its joys, we should avoid condemnation; 
should seldom criticize, unless the friend will be 
benefitted by the adverse opinion and open analysis. 



28 FRIENDSHIP 

It is safe to presume that the other fellow is doing 
the best he can under his circumstances, predisposi- 
tion, weaknesses and temptations. Truly, "A friend 
is one who knows all about you and loves you just 
the same !" 

We can "befriend" anyone, above or below us; 
but in voluntarily choosing- our companions, 
it is well to select those who are of the 
same type as ourselves. Then avoid arguments, 
contentions, and all seeds of antagonism, disagree- 
ment, discord. Be fair, genial, kind and congenial, 
and the harvest will surely be harmony and felicity. 
It is not yet safe to put a lamb and a lion in a den 
together. It is not always easy in these days of 
pretense, egotism and hypnotism, to tell who's who. 
Wherefore, herd with your own kind, get together; 
keep sweet. Spread the noble doctrine of peace, 
good-will, kindness, charity, compassion, sympa- 
thy, gratitude, appreciation and self-abnegation. 
Make friends — love them. Success in the world is of 
less value than they. Therefore, leave them not, 
neither forsake them. 



Constancy 

Never discard an old for a new friend, impulsive- 
ly and without proper consideration. Constancy is 
a virtue and inconstancy a deplorable fault. It is 
bad to be fickle, disloyal — easily carried away by 
the glamour of a new adventure To indulge such 
tendencies is to foster shallowness of nature and a 
vacillating mind, incapable of definite course or of 
sound action or concentration. And if, by any 
chance, you be loved by but few, know that at least 
it is your privilege to love many. 



FRIENDSHIP 29 

Reward 
Thus you will be surprised some day, to find how 
many you are benefitting, influencing for good, of 
those who enter your aura — your life's horizon. 
You will cause little pain or grief, and many weary, 
needy, hungry souls, will find sweet refreshment in 
your stability, strength and nobility of character. 
Thus will you become a fountain of pure waters, 
purged of ignoble impulses. Thus will you become 
worthy of being made a member of the noblest 
order ever known to mankind and be given a new 
name — the greatest honor that mankind can give 
you — the title of "Friend." 

Hail to the glorious, beautiful, beneficient, 

SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP! 




The Practice of Friendship 

Doubtless we are now agreed that in order to 
have friends we must "show ourselves friendly," 
— we must begin and continue the practice of 
friendship — of friendliness to those to whom we 
feel drawn, to those who give us pleasure — who 
benefit us ; and also, emulating the gentle Nazarine, 
loving the unlovely and those who need us, as well. 

Knowing where we should go, we need to know 
by what route we should travel. The answer is, 
by way of nobility of character and amiability of 
disposition ; by capacity for service and a love of 
doing good. 

Of all the existing assets that help toward the 
making of friends, perhaps the most valuable is 
the possession of a pleasing personality. And by 
the way, this is not necessarily a matter of natural 
gift but is a thing that can be cultivated — the evo- 
lution of a sweet disposition. It is largely a mat- 
ter of being gracious, accommodating, cheerful, 
patient. Likewise, to be of neat appearance and 
gentle of manner are items which aid in making 
up a charming personality and in creating the 
magnetism which draws others to us. 

In every line of business, and in every walk of 
life, one may observe that the person possessing 
such a personality receives attention, advancement 
and favor, while rivals who are deficient in this 
respect are permitted to stagnate. The value of a 
smiling countenance can hardly be over-estimated. 
An optimistic — that is to say, a cheerful spirit— 



MERCY 31 

is indeed magnetic. It radiates beauteous beams 
as a dewdrop mirrors the rainbow hues of the life- 
giving' sun. 

As was shown in the book, "The Joyous Life," 
happiness is synthetic while scientific character- 
building is one of the prime purposes of life. With 
a compound object in view, that of attaining happi- 
ness and making daily progress in building char- 
acter, let us consider one element of soul-great- 
ness, namely, the quality of Mercy. 



MERCY 

A little boy was once asked: "When you know 
a thing, how do you know it?" To which he prompt- 
ly replied, 'T don't know it at all — I forget it." In 
his frank answer is food for thought. We are not 
benefitted by what we learn and then forget; but by 
what we learn and then incorporate and use. Most 
of us talk— prattle, babble— too much, and think 
too little. We have our minds filled with rubbish 
and that which is of no value. 

When the soul wakens, there is aspiration to bet- 
ter things. When one realizes that he is no longer 
satisfied to be kept a peaceful prisoner of ignorance, 
we may expect progress. Knowledge of vain things 
has nothing to do with the possession of wisdom. 
Meditation, contemplation, is a helpful practice. 
We know so many things in a superficial sort of 
way, but to be fully conscious to all that is repre- 
sented by a germ-idea calls for genuine mental ca- 
pacity. In order to keep our ideals from decline, it 
is well to pause and consider a definite subject and 



32 FRIENDSHIP 

compel the mind to cease from aimless rambling — 
a bad habit fostered by our present careless living 
and the economic conditions of our time. 

If you feel in the mood, suppose you and I take 
a train of thought and travel a while on the Progress 
road, journeying toward a definite destination — the 
celestial cities of Unfoldment, Development, and 
Growth. For today's trip, let us stop at the Com- 
missary of Character Construction and equip with 
the idea of *'Mercy," and a few other things, for 
word-study 

We may know a thing by the evidences of our 
senses; that is, by perception, or apprehension ; also 
we may know by the processes of reason. We may 
know or recognize from experience or by gaining a 
conception of a thing by reckoning, imagining that 
which we have not undergone, from that which we 
have cognized. 

"Blessed are the merciful." And who is there 
among us who does not aspire to be blessed? Then 
let us not forget to be merciful. We can begin by 
taking time to look outside the bowl in the bottom 
of which we live, seeing life only as it sweeps over 
the edges and rim of the enclosure which we have 
elected to hem us in. 

Let us burst the shell of our selfish barricade and 
look into the lives of those about us. Without ap- 
preciation for the cares, burdens, heart-aches and 
disappointments, sorrows and unfulfilled yearnings 
of our fellow beings, we cannot be constrained to 
feel any emotion of compassion — of mercy. He who 
has no feeling has no soul. We should not be hys- 
terical, but we should not be dead — unable to thrill 
in understanding of deeds of heroism, courage, forti- 



MERCY 33 

tude, love, mercy and all that goes to comprise our 
human experiences. 

Let us lay low the tall walls of our selfish 
thoughts, and behold the most marvelous moving 
picture ever conceived — the world about us — per- 
ceiving that all that is done, may contribute to our 
entertainment, edification and evoluion. Thus will 
we enrich our experience and perhaps spare our- 
selves he necessity of having bitter experiences in 
order to round out our own characters. Because 
the building of character, gaining of experience, is 
the purpose of our having come into the world. 

If perchance sometime in your life you should see 
a long season of drought and withering, and some 
peculiar circumstance compelled you to go a great 
distance in the heat of a scorching day, over burn- 
ing city walks, dusty country roads, out and away 
from the supports and comforts which have hereto- 
fore surrounded you ; 

Out into the desert of Misery Harvest, where the 
sand is deep and the cactus spines are sharp ; where 
the coyote skulks and the sage brush ekes out but 
enough existence to tell of discouragement and fail- 
ure, the arid blight of selfish desires of men which 
burn and sere ; 

But go on, you must ; alone — unfit, unequipped — 
caught by ''circumstance." Plod on — you must! 
Ere long the straining body gives its cry for cessa- 
tion of this forcing; your temples throb painfully, 
things persist in getting more and more black be- 
fore your eyes ; an unconquerable weakness begins 
to steal over you. 

Struggling on, hour after hour, you know not 
how long, till your lips are cracked, and your tongue 



34 FRIENDSHIP 

protrudes, swollen and fissured, between your teeth, 
till all that you know is to strive on and agonize 
for water. 



If it should be your lot to go to India and there 
you were stricken with fever — unremitting and in- 
tolerable ; and you were alone with energies sapped, 
vitality spent; till you could think of nothing but 
water, WATER, W A T E R ! ! 

If these experiences came to you, you would un- 
derstand what "THIRST" meant. 



And then, when you had suffered beyond the 
power of description, a blessed cup of cold water* 
found its way to your parched lips, and rough tis- 
sues became smooth again; their burning ceased, 
and the loving care bestowed slowly won you back 
to vigor and comfort ; 

Then you would know what "Relief," and "Re- 
freshment" mean — that they are sweet to the needy 
soul. 



Then you would have a better idea of what 
'Mercy" is. 



If it fell to your lot to be a sailor — many souls 
have been called to the sea — and while far out from 
port an evil bully conspired to cause the men to 
mutiny, seize the ship and cargo and divide the 
spoils. The captain resisted and was killed. The 



MERCY 35 

mutinous ones did not include so good a navigator 
as the captain or first mate who had gone down 
with his superior officer. A storm arose and the 
good ship sprung a leak. The heavy gale at last 
snapped the mam mast, which in fallmg wrecked 
machinery and steam pumps. The weary men 
were forced to operate the hand pumps. But all m 
vain. The ship would sink. 

A few sailors who had refused to mutiny had been 
cast into irons. You were one of them. The mut- 
ineers took the life boats and put to sea, but not 
before one of them who had in his heart a bit of 
mercy, came and partly set you free. You did the 
rest. But gaining the deck you found there was no 
boat. 

A lurch of the ship threw you overboard in the 
wash of a giant wave ; you found a piece of wreck- 
age and clung to it, and on this homely saviour, 
were washed up on the beach of a desert island. 

The one boat which had survived the storm had 
been driven on the opposite end of this island. You 
were weak from the battle— too weak even to shout. 
There you lay, half drowned, with a broken leg. 
The storm subsided. You could see the men saving 
useful material from the wrecked ship; you had 
neither food nor drink. 

One of the mutineers had been picked up by a 
passing vessel. He had induced the captain to 
search for the crew. Rocks and shoals made it un- 
safe to come in very close, so the crew from the 
wreck began to prepare to put out to where the 
big ship stood off, waiting their coming. 

They are too far off to see you— you have not 
the power to rise, or signal them. It seems— Oh, 



36 FRIENDSHIP 

God of heaven ! inevitable that you be missed and 
forsaken, to die alone in utter misery. You see the 
rescuers from the big ship quit the search and pre- 
pare to depart. 

In such a case you would know what "Despair" 
and "Anguish" mean. 

But wait — there's that same soft-hearted chap 
again — he does not seem willing to go just yet. 
Seems as if he senses that all are not aboard — some- 
times tender-hearted people do have peculiar feel- 
ings which are called Intuitions! Bless God, he 
realizes what a terrible thing it would be to leave a 
man marooned on such a barren isle. While the 
others are impatiently urging him to desist search- 
ing — to hurry and come on, he is still not satis- 
fied — looks for some trace of life. 

See — he's looking your way. Angels, tell him ! 
He does see, or suspect — he's coming to see what 
that object is, lying on the sand! And then, as your 
strained consciousness leaves you, you know he is 
there beside you. His mighty shout thrills you from 
head to foot, and seems to reverberate through the 
universe, and other men hasten to lend assistance. 

After a while, you open your eyes again, wonder- 
ing which side of the grave you are on, eager for 
agonies to be over. A kind voice tells you not to try 
to speak. Your helpless, weary head is gently 
raised just a little, and something is given you to 
take in the process of winning you back to life and 
vigor again. 

Soon you are mending. How ravenous you are. 
How good is Food and Drink — nourishment — sus- 
tenance. 



MERCY 37 



If you had suffered shipwreck, (how precious is 
reputation!) and friends, neighbors, kindred— all 
had forsaken you, save one— but through his consid- 
eration you had had one fighting chance tor your 
life— to suffer your way back to standing again^: 
Then you would understand the value of Mercy. 



If sometime in your life the fell hand of torment 
falls upon vou and strikes you down to your bed 
in utter helplessness ; and pain comes to you as it 
never came before ; till each succeeding hour seems 
but another interminable hell ; 

Then likely you w^ould pray as one is wont to 
pray when suffering beyond tears or moans or 
screams: a prayer that you might die— Oh, God! 
that you might die. 

But when it seemed in a cruel climax of unspeak- 
able agonizing torture, as the pangs of labored 
motherhood— peace suddenly comes— like the still- 
ing of the fierce tempest when the gentle Nazarene 
commanded, 'Teace, be still!" Thank God for De- 
liverance." 

Then you would better comprehend what 'Teace" 
and "Comfortable," mean— then you would know a 
little of what Mercy is. 



If some time in your life you should come to 
possess many things, which were everyone dear— so 
dear! 

But one by one they were torn away from you by 



38 FRIENDSHIP 

a relentless hand — a hand stronger than yours ; the 
hand of Circumstance. (Misfortune, Fire, Wind, 
Disease. Senility or the dark angel Death), so that 
all was gone — wife, children, property — everything 
that heart holds dear. Gone — gone ! ! 

All that remained was memory and shreds — dregs 
in the cup of life — all else was "LOST." 

But wait. Yonder comes one who drives like 
Jehu. Is he friend or foe? Friend it is — and cham- 
pion. Hot pursuit he gives the fleeing, mocking 
viper, Fell Circumstance. 'Tis plain to see the spirit 
of Jehu is such that his coming, though alone, is no 
laughing matter. The loud guffaws of Circumstance 
die in his throat — are turned to snarls at this un- 
expected interruption of his gloating triumph. 

The chariot of the intrepid Jehu slowly gains on 
the unscrupulous foe. Though but one against a 
legion, Jehu dares approach the assassins of Wel- 
fare, Joy and Peace — this gang of arch-conspirators ; 
these allies of Circumstance ; these enemies of man ; 
who, sooner or later, lay low, the poor, the rich ; 
the noble, the mean ; the wise, the fool ; and carry 
their victims captive into the Unknown. 

But fearless Jehu comes abreast of the very leader 
Fell Circumstance, and snatches from him, (this 
captain of Death, Hate, Malice, Jealousy, Lust and 
the rest of the shades and ghouls of Carnal Mind), 
the mutilated remnant of one of your treasures. 

With tears of compassion and regret that he could 
not do more, Jehu returns all that could be saved, 
to your hungry arms again. 

Were it your lot, beloved, to pass through such 
an ordeal — then you would know what Anguish 



MERCY 39 

means — and Courage, too; even the spirit of Jehu. 
And too, you would understand better what is 
meant by "Mercy." It is good to be spared even a 
little of all that which had been so dear when you 
had possessed much. 

If perchance it should come to you to be a solitary 
watcher by the bedside of one you love better than 
your own soul, and you should see the pain-dis- 
torted face grow paler and more pale each day : and 
you should rack your brain to find one atom of 
sorry comfort — one more futile something you 
could do to make that cross a wee bit easier: 

Until the long, lonely hours of the day are only 
months in comparison to the years of the long, 
dreary, dark and gruesomely still nights; 

And if this should continue till your flesh quivered 
with the anguish of it all, and your sturdy body is 
worn and stooped with weariness, and your tired 
eyes are almost hidden behind swollen lids ; till your 
relaxed fingers let their lighter burdens slip through 
them ; till, in spite of every effort of will, and every 
device of ingenuity fails, and your brain sleeps a 
stolen second, till, conscience stricken, you start up 
again, trembling, in the responsibility of_ another's 
life hanging on your faithfulness and vigil. 

And the sufferer? Oh, those hands — those hands 
of yours. How tenderly you direct them to do 
that which the hands of hirelings cannot do. 

O, what a stay are the time-tried bonds to that 
suffering loved one and the patient watcher. Some- 
bodv's fidelitv now repays for the others constancy 
through the years that went before, woos life back 
to the stricken one and keeps life in the body of 
the wearv watcher. 



40 FRIENDSHIP 

But finally, praise God, it is all over, and Darling 
is safe, and the battle won. Life again has promise 
of the brightness of old which you two could not 
bear to lose. The old-time comfort steals into your 
soul. Again the sun is bright. The sparkling dew 
glistens on the fragrant flowers that mark the paths 
you two have trod together — the path of life with 
the flowers of service, love, comradeship and sym- 
pathy a-bloom on every side. 

How sweet it is to rest — to the struggler and the 
watcher. But again, all is well. Somebody needed 
"Constancy," and another Somebody was glad to 
give it. So, Somebody glows warm and happy that 
the need on both sides was met. Ah, rest is indeed 
sweet — sweeter because of the labor which went 
before it. How precious is "Loyalty" and "Con- 
stancy." Life is "Delicious." 

If it were your lot to go through all of this, you 
would know the full meaning of these few words — 
you would feel with the heart as well as understand 
with the head. It would make you tender. Hence, 
a little progress would be made — progress in 
strength — in sweetness of the Flower of Character. 

You then would know better than I know how 
to tell, what Mercy means — if you experienced all 
of these sorts of schooling. Then you would be 
ready to APPRECIATE. 



The dear people whose nearness was marked by 
a soul waiting to come hither, christened you with 
a name which to someone, is sweet because of you 
— of what you have grown to be. Think little of 



MERCY 41 

woe and strife. Think much of good, for you will 
surely become like that which you contemplate. 

But think much of "Mercy." Be kind to those 
about you. It may be that beneath a smiling face, 
is a hungry, sick heart. Be a benediction to many a 
soul whose struggle, unseen, unsuspected, may yet 
be quite as bitter in another way, as these regard- 
ing which you have so kindly permittexi me to give 
a little illustration. 




DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 

The Way Out 

The solution of life's problems — the Way Out 
of trouble, sorrow, need, or any form of adversity — 
that is a seeming necessity at some time in the life 
of every member of the race of man. Life seems a 
constant struggle from the cradle to the grave. As 
we look about us it oftimes seems that those who do 
attain an approximation of happiness and success 
accomplish it through their being specially skillful 
and powerful fighters or else merely fortunate in the 
changes and chances of mortal life. 

There are some kinds of struggle — supreme en- 
deavor — that are good for us. They furnish needed 
exercise of faculties and hence are constructive in 
their effects. But there are other forms of intense 
application which are pernicious for they constitute 
action with poor judgment and virtue-sapping ex- 
cess. At times it almost appears that humanity 
still lacks the real humanitarian spirit and that hu- 
man life is scarcely more secure than that of the 
beast — a matter of the survival of the fittest. 

Greed — a despicable form of selfishness — is at the 
bottom of much of the existing w^oes of humanity. 
Concentration in population is responsible for some 
more. One of the many deplorable results is the 
development of a hard, belligerent spirit, which is 
apparent in individuals, classes and nations, particu- 
larly in thickly populated districts, in cities and 
small countries. People seem determined upon suc- 
cess at any cost. Out of this spirit and the com- 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 43 

petitive system, grows a rank and poisonous weed, 
the fumes of which generate an intoxication that 
comprehends a willingness to kill! 

Friendship — the fairest flower in the garden of 
human virtues— is the great antidote. It is an ef- 
fective preventative as well. Those who need it 
most are the people who discover in their consci- 
ousness the baneful kill-germ— a willingness to 
entertain thoughts of homicide or suicide, on the 
part of individuals, or war on the part of a nation. 

With regard to the individual it may be men- 
tioned that anyone who has ever gazed upon the face 
of a killer will never forget the look he wears. The 
apparent causes for such a frame of mind are va- 
rious : disappointment in love, jealousy, change of 
heart or transfer of affections on the part of another, 
ill-health, financial troubles, and loneliness^ conse- 
quent upon advancing years and an inability to 
make and hold friends. 

Murder — surely it is the most gruesome, awful, 
ugly word in our language. To deliberately plan 
and execute the taking of the life of a fellow being, 
seems too shocking, too terrible to think or speak 
about. And yet, every age since the world began 
has had its share of blots upon the pages of his- 
tory, for this despicable sin. 

From a physiological standpoint, a person who 
contemplates homicide has lost the ability to 
think, except in ever-narrowing circles. The 
murder-thought sears and paralyzes wherever it 
goes, for it is against nature and every sparky of 
life and principle. When a man cannot _ think 
rationally, or will not listen to reason, he is in a 
terrible condition. 



44 FRIENDSHIP 

Truly "The wrath of man worketh not the ris^ht- 
eousness of God." To one obsessed with such 
brutish thoughts, "Thou shalt not kill" means 
nothing, for he has forgotten everything but the 
hope of satiating his lust. "Vengeance is mine, 
saith the Lord." Hence a man who plans murder 
is a profound egotist, flattering himself that he can 
usurp the prerogative of Deity and right a wrong; 
or at least gain some personal satisfaction by kill- 
ing the victim of his hateful thoughts. 

Surely it is absurd to think of changing a man's 
mind by taking his life. Murder does not change 
anything. It does not restore anything nor alter 
conditions. The facts remain as they were before. 
The killer frequently takes his own life. If not, 
the authorities dispose of him in due time. His 
thought of satisfaction dies with him. There can 
be no satisfaction except in consciousness. Retri- 
bution or punishment for any crime is dependent 
upon the knowledge of the guilty one. The en- 
trance of both victim and killer into the next phase 
of existence must be on the same basis as their 
departure from this life. Two wrongs never yet 
made a right. Death to the body is the sentence 
men impose for capital crimes but human mind 
is the criminal and not the body. 

A man who persistently entertains murder 
thoughts will destroy himself. The saying, "re- 
venge is sweet" is a lie. Revenge brings un- 
speakable misery. When the perpetrator wakes up 
and finds he has been meddling with divine law, 
purpose and justice, he realizes that his act has 
only made matters immeasurably worse. 

Tricksters and criminals should, of course, be 
apprehended. But snap judgments are usually 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 45 

wrong, and lynchings, mob violence and such 
things place their participants upon the same level 
as the offenders they seek to punish. 

A murderer has lost pride, for, in seeking to kill, 
by the means and circumstances which have entered 
into the matter, and in the game of wits and power, 
he is beaten. Yea, he is so thoroughly whipped 
that he dares not allow the subject of his wrath to 
live, lest he who now is worsted, be bested in sub- 
sequent contests of power or influence. 

The majority of murder cases appear to be a 
result of matters involving sex relationship, or of 
the love of money. Much of human grief comes 
about from wrong teaching. Mankind is hypno- 
tized by first one thing and then another. Reason 
and the Truth alone can remedy this condition. 
For one thing, a transfer of affection does not result 
unless there has been existing previously a state of 
greater or less dissatisfaction. A well-balanced 
soul will say: "If the one I love best can be truly 
better and nobler with someone else, I will be big 
enough to step out of the way. If m}^ beloved can 
progress more rapidly without me, then I know 
that this one is idealized by my own fancy and is 
not my true mate. The things we have in this 
life are not ours to own but to use as the means 
to an end. If I am not necessary to the welfare of 
my beloved then I must teach my heart to love 
elsewhere or not at all, as shall hereafter be revealed 
to me as my proper portion." 

Murder grows out of lust. A man who can say, 
*T want only that which belongs to me," will never 
be attacked by the killgerm. To destroy a life to 
gain possession of money, property or person, is an 



46 FRIENDSHIP 

act which will never bring- about happiness. The 
bauble that glittered will prove empty of satisfac- 
tion. 

The man or woman who thinks by taking his or 
her own life to be out of the way and enable the 
fruition of purposes and desires on the part of 
others, is placing too little value upon his or her 
own life. Also such an one is forgetting that the 
purposes of the Creator are not necessarily the ful- 
fillment of human desires and carnal appetites. It 
is not necessary for one to die in order to make 
others happy. If they cannot be happy while the 
self-sacrificing one lives, they would find no happi- 
ness afterwards. Similarly, a man who thinks to 
take the life of another to forward his own plans 
can rest assured that no peace or happiness can 
ever come to one who chooses such a way out of 
nis problems. 

The person who contemplates taking his own 
life because of the death of a beloved companion 
is utterly selfish. He thinks too much of himself 
and needs to invest his thoughts and energies in be- 
ing of use to others. He should be reminded that 
life at best is but a short span so that it will not be 
long till death can find him united to his beloved 
one if he proves worthy to be on the same plane. 
Furthermore he was put here to make progress — 
not to reproach his Maker by insubordinately sev- 
ering his golden thread of life. 

Hidden amidst the haste and bustle about us are 
some individuals who seem to find themselves 
practically friendless — some who are discouraged 
and forlorn. Then there are others who are 
broken in health and finances, with no home and 
no one to care for them or what becomes of them. 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 47 

Still others seem to have failed in all of life's enter- 
prises. 

Upon consulting statistics it is found that amon^ 
the hosts of discouraged and unhappy ones are 
many who choose to take the dark path in seeking 
a way out of their troubles. It is stated that the 
number of suicides is increasing, also the number 
of people who lose mental balance. Of the suicides 
it is found that twice as many men as women 
choose to take their own lives, and that the age 
of these people is from 25 to 50 years — while they 
are in youth and the prime of life. 

A considerable portion of those whose minds 
break are victims of disease. But the disease of- 
times itself is the result of pernicious habits — of 
letting go, or indulging in, evil passions and wrong 
mental tendences. Self-control and the recognition 
from early childhod of proper authority — obedience 
to parents and law, would preclude much of it. The 
fast life is often chosen as a way out of mental tor- 
ture. This is a confession of cowardice, self-pity 
and moral weakness. To break the chain of action 
and re-action and escape the maelstrom of^ nerve- 
rack in life is not always easy. Determination and 
grit are often very necessary. But it can be done, 
by those who can muster the stamina to make the 
effort. It is a great thing to be able to take all 
things cooly and, as Elbert Hubbard puts it, ''not 
take one's self too damned seriously!" But this 
ability can be cultivated and philosophy is a helper 
of inestimable value. 

With regard to the larger portion — those people 
who are merely discouraged, soured upon life, more 
needs to be said. A civilization, a system of edu- 



48 FRIENDSHIP 

cation, which does not increase the value, the joy, 
of life is not only a failure but a horrible imposition 
upon humanity. Character should be builded so 
strong that the vicissitudes, the trials, imposed by 
time and chance could not change the soul of cour- 
age to a soul of cowardice or allow the substance 
of the person's nature to so crumble or shrivel as 
to make the cells incapable of responding to vibra- 
tions of joy. 

People who are unhappy and those who con- 
template suicide, are appalled, disheartened, by 
recollections of past failures and defeats. They are 
hypnotized by chronic or acute pessimism. They 
are overwhelmed by fear through warped, distorted, 
hopeless, faithless vision of the future as based 
upon the misfortune of past experiences. They 
seek an easier way out than the path which lies be- 
fore them with its rugged mountains, jagged rocks, 
pitfalls and precipices. 

Admittedly, something is wrong with our present 
system of political economy and methods of con- 
ducting the affairs of humanity. It is easy to 
recognize the fact that the problems of mankind 
are increasing and the world filled with turmoil 
and perplexity. But the correction of these con- 
ditions is not in decrease of population by war nor 
in the destruction of life by individuals — by murder 
or sucide. Co-operation and toleration are infinite- 
ly better than mortal combat or selfish escape by 
self-destruction. 

One great need of the world — one great work 
of each individual — is the cultivation of benevo- 
lence and the elimination of the colossal selfishness 
which is cursing, marring, our beautiful world and 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 49 

taking the joy out of our associations with our 
fellow beings, disgracing mankind. 

Suicide is utterly selfish. It docs not save. 
Even though it did accomplish deliverance it would 
still be unjustifiable. Every individual is right 
where he belongs just now. If it were not so he 
would be somewhere else. Providence does see 
to that. Wherefore, everyone, who chooses that way 
out sins most grievously and is rebelliously choos- 
ing to interfere with Divine Purpose. 

Those who are advanced in spiritual develop- 
ment — the Elder Brothers of the race — those whose 
sympathy is divine — not the maudlin hysteria that 
attempts to counterfeit it — those masters behold the 
slaves and the fellow beings who are weakening in 
the struggle, with utmost compassion. If one feels 
stirring in his own bosom a desire to help laboring 
humanity he may know he has attained the second 
birth — that he is born again — of the Spirit — and is 
a child in the spiritual Kingdom. 

Such a new being finds that he perceives the 
needs of humanity, is moved to search out the 
damaged vessels and derelicts upon life's troubled 
sea; and that he longs to aid and comfort them. 
He further discovers that he is craving to be pos- 
sessed of the wisdom and opportunity to speak the 
Word that will rekindle the smouldering fires of 
faith, hope, courage, ambition and energy — find a 
means of bringing these laboring vessels safely to 
haven, (heaven.) 

Beholding a prodigal son, a discouraged strug- 
gler or a bewildered traveller — or one who is soul- 
sick, to him also the growing God-child longs to 
speak the Word of the loving father, the renewing 



50 FRIENDSHIP 

message of the Christ, the comforting- guidance of 
the Spirit — the Word of Healing. He who finds 
within himself such vision, such impulse, such ex- 
perience, may know of a certainty that he is grow- 
ing — progressing toward the Kingdom — oneness 
with the Divine. "My Father and I are one," is 
the blessed goal! There is but one Way to the 
Father. This is the Way Out! But we cannot 
enter heaven until we are fit : We may not break in 
at the windows or burrow under the walls. We 
must use the entrance provided. Furthermore, we 
could not be happy and at home there with worldly 
longings troubling the breast and the heart lusting 
for that which does not satisfy. 

There are numerous examples of the fact that it 
is easier to heal a sick body than a sick soul. But 
it is most assuredly true that if the vital spark — 
the right words — the light of right ideas — can be 
placed within that breast, then will the happy 
transformation and transfiguration occur ! 

Moreover, we do know for a certainty that this 
very thing can be done because it has been done — 
and that full many times ! When it is done — Oh, 
how the eye that once was dull lights up with vital 
gleams ; the stoop falls away from the erstwhile 
drooping shoulders ; the slouching gait is replaced 
by the firm, elastic tread of self-assurance and 
power — poise in right-ness — when this miracle is 
done! 

In all probability anyone who seems to lack 
friends needs to get busy and be a friend! Those 
whose thought has not been opened to the light 
of divine illumination may not dream what a joy 
it is to be of service. Such know not what a trans- 
port of delight occurs when one is privileged to 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 51 

whisper the inspiring Word or perform the needed 
Act that convinces a doubting Thomas, saves a 
sinking Peter, or Samson-Hke, fells the temples of 
the Philistines! But he who feels the Divine Urge 
to do so, need awake and bestir himself that he may 
acquire the equipment that will enable him to thus 
show or help some one to the right way out! 

When one feels himself inspired to be-friend — 
be a friend to— some fellow-being whom he may 
find, who is desperately in need of this sort of 
friendly aid, then he should strive to learn how 
best to do this thing. It is not work for the babes, 
the uninformed, untutored and unpracticed. On 
the contrary, effort and rehearsal, model, formula 
and repeated endeavor are all necessary to acquire 
ability and facility in spiritual matters. But the 
student may take comfort in the reflection that there 
is need of such work because everybody requires 
building up— needs spiritual food and drmk and 
spiritual exercise— and will gladly accept of it if it 
come in the right way and at the right time T act 
and judgment figure in this world also. Where is 
our treasure? Where does our interest lie? ihis 
is the index as to what manner of being we are! 

The only medicine that will aid the soul that is 
sick is THE TRUTH— the Truth of God. It en- 
livens like dew upon wilting flowers. The truth 
an individual can declare which he himself has 
proven is of most value both to himself and any- 
one he would help. But it is true and we can con- 
fidently declare to any one, that, 'There ^mameth 
therefore a rest of the people of God. i he W ay 
Out— to peace and happiness— is not by worldly 
pleasures, but by Knowledge. The Way Out oi 



52 FRIENDSHIP 

problems and involved affairs is by Divine Guid- 
ance which can be obtained only by paying the 
price of consecration ! 

When a man has suffered enough he will be will- 
ing to listen to that which rings true to the ear of 
his soul as Truth. "Whoso loveth instruction 
loveth knowledge ; but he that hateth reproof is 
brutish." 

Love is the great healer, the unfailing magnet — 
the core of friendship. By love is even the cross 
sanctified. The law is impartial, too. Therefore 
you can assure the forsaken one, (the failure, the 
figure that is trying to make his One into a 
Naught) — that the trouble is in himself and is 
therefore mechanical, — obstructive — hence, curable. 
Either his methods or his direction of effort have 
been wrong. Only cowards quit! It is most ab- 
surd to lie down on the path because one finds the 
journey has been partly in the wrong direction. 
Turn around, man, and keep on travelling! 

Tell him to be one of the sturdy souls who have 
the stamina to accept the situation — the impersonal 
signpost which declares that he must turn about and 
retrace his steps until the distance travelled in the 
wrong direction is fully re-traced before he can 
expect a change in the landscape and surroundings 
and experiences ; before he can see the proof that 
he is nearing the worthy goal of Heart's Desire. 

By study, thought and practice we can equip 
ourselves for meeting every problem, any case of 
a person who contemplates suicide. For one thing 
we can tell him that to put out his own light does 
not bring the change he hopes for, because he has 
not affected a change in his own heart and mind, 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 53 

but merely produced a disturbance which will only- 
result in the distintegration of particles of matter 
known as the physical temple and he will have the 
equivalent for his present problems on the other 
side. The Universe would be unjust otherwise. 

It is for us who are interested in building up our 
consciousness, our spiritual temples, to demonstrate 
that the right Way Out is by self-abnegation — the 
forgetting of self — the lifting up of the thought till 
the entire life is lived for and to God. This is begun 
by doing one's every action as unto Him and not as 
unto persons, nor for gain, nor fame, self-advance- 
ment or any other selfish motive. When this is 
done, then is effort and even suffering glorified 
and happiness attained — the meat that the world 
knows not of! As it is written; "Whatsoever ye 
do, work it heartily as unto the Lord and not as 
unto men ; knowing that of the Lord ye shall re- 
ceive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve 
the Lord Christ." 

Moreover, we can say to the despondent one 
with assurance : "Your despondency devitalizes you, 
kills your magnetism ; renders you incapable of 
drawing to yourself that which you desire ; it 
makes you altogether negative; causes you to warp 
your ONE into a NAUGHT so far as the attain- 
ment of your proper desires is concerned. It is 
proper to desire Good." 

Furthermore we can assure the dejected one 
that the very thing which caused all this train of 
losses which so distresses him now, is just the con- 
tinuation and progeny of that negative condition 
of mind that excuses quitting and allows 'him 
flinching and cowardice. Furthermore the weari- 



54 FRIENDSHIP 

ness he seems to feel is of the mortal, physical, 
earthy man and has nothing to do it with his better 
self, which is being poisoned by fear and doubt. 
Tell him that the proper antidote and his only 
hope here or anywhere else is to do right and that 
the first step in doing right is to take hold again 
of life with new resolution, courage and faith ; to 
live for God and not for self, and to await the call, 
the will, of the Almighty as to when this mortal 
existence shall be surrendered or released. This 
is the noble, the positive, the proper, yea, the only 
RIGHT Way Out! 

The Way-shower said : "Take my yoke upon you 
and learn of me and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls." Mark you, we must learn before we can 
rest. Hence, there is work to be done. And after 
work, comes rest — and peace of mind meanwhile. 

In order to befriend one who needs befriending, 
we must needs familiarize ourselves with the view- 
point of him who is down in the depths. There is 
need for sympathetic understanding and compas- 
sionate thought to earn the confidence and search 
out the secret need of such a soul. For when 
one is found who wants to quit life's school room — 
existence on this mundane sphere — he has such a 
desire because of having lost patience, just as he 
has lost faith. He knows not how to "Rest in the 
Lord; wait patiently for Him." 

In our preparation we should make ready to tell 
the groping one that this much is sure : When a 
man wants to quit, wants to find a quick and easy 
Way Out ; acknowledges himself beaten in the 
game of life, then he needs to stick — hang on to life 
— more than most of the others, because he has so 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 55 

much to learn here! He is most unfit to go on. If 
he can find no other incentive to live, let him take 
this one: "Stay with the game. Find the RIGHT 
Way Out and then stick around and help some 
other poor, deluded, despondent fellow who is as 
bewildered and broken down as you were, to do 
the like. When you wake up and get to the top of 
the hill, pull yourself out of the night of despair, 
you will wonder that you could have had such ab- 
surd notions. If you do not feel inspired to continue 
living as a privilege, then live as a duty you owe to 
God and man." If he will do that then he will see 
that all he needed was practice in doing good to 
— in conquering — mastering the problems before 
him. He surely did not need to be baby-ed by be- 
ing excused from the class-room and the call to 
Progress ! 

The fires of love for our fellowman burn all to^ 
feebly. To know God's love we need to be more 
like Him. By Love alone can we learn how the 
great Heart of Love reaches out to touch these 
weak, weary, stumbling sons and daughters, heal- 
ing, soothing, strengthening with its wondrous 
warmth and ineffable radiance, making bright the 
darkened recesses of the mind and heart and life — 
bright as the brightness of noonday, revealing the 
fact that shadows are naught! 

Beloved — we of the Fellowship — we of the army 
of Friends of Mankind — let us keep our wits pol- 
ished — our spiritual armament bright with constant 
use. Then we can offer the weak and weary, hun- 
gering unfortunates that which will rest and nour- 
ish. Then we can give the cup of cold water to the 
thirsty one who knows not as yet that his condi- 



56 FRIENDSHIP 

tion is due to the fact that he has not drunk of the 
waters of life and had his being purified therewith ; 
that he has eaten of that which is not bread and 
scorned the manna from heaven. Hence he has 
drooped and lost resemblance to his own ideals, or 
his Maker's for him. 

Everyone who seems forsaken and weary, sick 
or in the bondage of error or passion, may be as- 
sured that he has missed the right Way Out by 
hiding his own light — his own better nature — under 
a bushel instead of letting it shine on his own and 
his neighbor's way. Everyone who gets down may 
know that he has been opposing the divine will or 
living for self. He that is true to his higher self 
and lives to the best of his ability, is NOT A 
FAILURE! He who meets the conditions laid 
down by the All-Father is never lost ! 

If one is found who has a chronic sense of 
lack of welcome and amiability, one who seems 
miserable with friendlessness, tell him to try smil- 
ing — practicing hearty good cheer upon all with 
whom he comes in contact. Or, let him but speak 
kindly to a stray dog in the street — saving a bit of 
meat from his plate to feed some four-footed mon- 
grel tramp. He will find welcome there and thus 
recive assurance through the accepted caress and 
attention, that there remains within the man, that 
which will blossom and prove, he has as much to 
live for and enjoy as he is developed to do. 

Though this one who calls himself lonely and 
friendless, claim that he is forsaken of kindred, for- 
tune, business associates, club men, friends of the 
years that are gone, old contemporaries who now 
look upon him as a back number and a crank — an 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 57 

old fogey with musty ideas — nevertheless there will 
be found within him that which will enable a work- 
ing out of his life's problems and the acquirement 
of happiness and peace, if he will but stick and go 
after these things with the right spirit and wide- 
awake, humble, willing, intelligent mind. Tell h-m 
to begin by getting a better opinion of himself — 
by adjusting himself to the world, the needs of the 
hour, since they refuse to adjust to him; then 
simply keep sweet and give of the best that is in 
him today. 

By the governing of his own thoughts he can 
learn to simply let joy and peace reign in his own 
heart. It is all a matter of habit. Looking for the 
friendly acknowledgments of goodwill and good 
words — his own sincere efforts to serve humanity 
—he will find that they are blooming only he has 
not been seeing them because he was too much 
taken up with looking for something to justify his 
continuing on the downward path and then seek- 
ing an easier Way Out. 

If not more interesting means of upbuilding 
come to mind, let the downcast one take a walk in 
the park, taking some bread along to feed the spar- 
rows or pigeons. They will appreciate his friendly 
attentions and furnish a good example of content 
and cheerfulness. Never again should he say that 
he is useless— an incumbrance upon society. Even 
though he be a helpless invalid he yet may do good. 
For behold, he can give example of good cheer 
under difficulties and also furnish opportunity for 
someone to obtain exercise of benevolent faculties 
^patience and fortitude— through caring for him. 
And such lessons are needed. All suffering has a 



58 FRIENDSHIP 

tendency to drive men home to God and make them 
look to a Higher Power for aid and to redeem 
them from sensuality and worldliness. 

It therefore follows that we stand on proper 
ground in attempting to be-friend the weakest of 
men and may tell him that he can yet attain a bet- 
ter grade before his Maker than if he seek a 
WRONG Way Out. Wherefore he should take 
heart. He alone is beaten and lonely who takes 
such a position in his own thought and shuts him- 
self away from love — from mingling with his own 
kind and that which could cheer him. Sometimes 
the greatest need is that he learn to make himself 
attractive and present his sheaves in an acceptable 
manner. But it is sure that even for him, there is 
a RIGHT Way Out and sticking here and thinking 
will enable him to find it. 

Everyone of us should know and never lose track 
of the point, that no matter what one's situation 
may be, he has a field of usefulness — a field of in- 
fluence. Moreover no one is able to say how ex- 
tended it may be. But by precept and example, by 
counsel and endeavor, he is affecting those he con- 
tacts as he walks on in his life's pilgrimage. We 
should all then strive to order our lives in such a 
way as will cause them to be an inspiration to 
others. We should know that the Father may be 
using us in ways we know not for doing good to 
others. Sometimes that which appears to us as 
old, worn-out, feeble and useless, is being employed 
for distant purposes and ends of the Creator's de- 
sign for the race. 

Everyone should often reflect that he really 
does not know what eyes are beholding him. Above 



DUTY OF FRIENDSHIP 59 

all, God himself is watching. And with the Al- 
mighty the commendation, the glory, the reward, 
is for the man who makes the effort. Hence, no 
one is ever justified in being a quitter! The manly, 
decent, sensible, thing to do is to choose the 
RIGHT Way Out! Let the discouraged one take 
hold of himself— rise, "gird up his loins like a 
man" and say : 

"The hope within my heart — it shall not die! 
My faith in God and self through Him shall 

stand ! 
Though mists obscure I know my God is nigh- 
Good shall prevail dealt by His loving hand !" 




THE ECLIPSE OF FRIENDSHIP 



Blessed is the man who feels within him the 
call, the impulse, the urge, to do something worth 
while — to be somebody ; to be a progressive soul, 
bent on self-improvement for the fulfilling of the 
law of fruition in perfection of species; Blessed is 
the man who realizes his present state and feels 
the sublime inspiration to catch and hold the 
glimpses of better things beyond the present stage 
of development; blessed is the man who has the 
vision of things as they ought to be — as they yet 
may be — himself, as God has predestinated him. 

In entertaining notions of higher ideals, the wise 
soul takes heed to establish the virtue of Stead- 
fastness. To be firmly fixed, clear in apprehen- 
sion of correct standing, firmly grounded as to 
premise, resolute in purpose, steady, unwavering 
in attitude and direction of energies ; this is the 
great achievement; this is the base from which 
constructive efforts in character building and mind 
enrichment, can operate. 

The steadfast soul is he who can obey the in- 
junction: *'Be strong; fear not." And thus, in spite 
of adverse influences, the mal-practice of misguided 
or vindictive (or uninformed) people, with their 
baneful outlining relating to his probable conduct 
in this test; despite cynical deductions regarding 
the mental processes in which the soul under fire 
is about to indulge, he must resist these onslaughts 
of Carnal Mind thoughts. The soul of the wise — 
will not jangle with the vibrations of baseness, per- 



ECLIPSE OF FRIENDSHIP 61 

fidy, commonness or lack of principle! Such things 
should find no lodgment in his purified conscious- 
ness. He should remain leal and true and steady — 
unwavering — in his thoughts, his course, his atti- 
tude. Like a gallant ship at sea, he should hold 
to his compass despite ill winds and raging storms. 

For comfort, approval and admonition to con- 
tinue in this manner, he should recall the words 
of Paul, "Be ye steadfast — unmovable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as 
ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 
And he should bear in mind, moreover, that it is in- 
deed a creditable thing to be a man — to be able to 
stand alone — staunch and true — faithful — steadfast 
— in spite of every adverse thing; to stand by 
one's principles and intelligent choices when cher- 
ished props and stays are stricken away and be- 
loved ties are sundered; when one's hopes of ful- 
fillment seem utterly, hopelessly wrecked. But it is 
even a greater thing to be able to stand alone when 
one is denied the consolation of the trust and con- 
fidence of the people one has chosen to serve — 
those whom one has elected to bless by the conse- 
cration, yea the sacrifice of his own sacred person 
— his time, talents and capacities. And yet that 
thing has been done. If need be let each one of us 
firmly stand and do as well. Let us also be game 
and manifest Steadfastness! Yea, let every soul 
who is teachable and wise — everyone who aspires to 
the Heights of Sonship — be ready at all times to 
prove his apprehension of the idea of Steadfastness 
— even when forsaken by those whose co-operation 
would be most gratifying — when there is nothing 
in sight but his own consciousness of his own acts 
and principles! 



WOMAN 

To each individual certain words are in repute 
or disgrace according to the ideas associated with 
them. For instance, the word woman, as applied 
to a certain member of the fair and gentler sex, 
might seem to that one, to be disrespectful. Where- 
as, could she but know just what that word pic- 
tured to the one using it — just what it meant to 
him — she would not feel hurt, but honored ; and 
the rising repugnance and resentment would melt 
away as snow before the summer sun. 

If the reader will kindly give me audience I 
should like to try to tell something of what I feel 
in using the word. Would I could describe what 
a feeling of reverence comes over me when I medi- 
ate upon it. Comes a mental picture of the spirit 
of beauty, comfort, joy and service embodied and 
sweetly manifested. 

Seeking a better or more comprehensible word, 
we meet the word lady. The foreign associations 
of this word have made it so generally coveted, 
that now it has been appropriated by every class. 
Hence we have salesladies, scrub-ladies, etc. Nev- 
ertheless, all who affect the term do not conduct 
themselves in a manner to render it additionally 
valuable in the impression that will hereafter ac- 
company the expression. 

The word lady, of course, meant more in those 
countries and times, where peerage was in high 
esteem — where the rich are ''noble" and the poor 
are merely "the peasantry" who serve the rich for 
the privilege of keeping alive, eating and sleeping, 



WOMAN 63 

having a family and otherwise spending their days 
as a *'kind Providence" appears to order. 

But just for this casual glance, let us take the 
premise that the word lady implies that the indi- 
vidual referred to is possessed of hereditary or con- 
ferred rank. And this may or may not be due to 
nobility of character or for services to humanity. 
Let it be granted that the word comprehends social 
standing. But in so doing, let it not be overlooked 
that this standing may result more from the wealth 
of the husband than to acknowledged personal 
worth. Moreover, the husband himself may be 
merely another beneficiary (or perhaps we should 
victim) of the accident of birth. But in our country, 
the expression, lady, indicates social prestige, 
wealth, and in too many instances, uselessness. 

To be a lady, is largely fortuitous. To be a true 
woman, is a matter of voluntary choice and the 
demonstration of the power to acquire and attain 
mental and moral riches— a matter, then, of char- 
acter with the individual. Therefore, the word 
woman should carry with it a much deeper signi- 
ficance than the word lady. The former should sug- 
gest the greatest institution of human life— home! 
And also, compassion, tenderness, mercy, inspira- 
tion, appreciation, and— greatest of all— love. 

Therefore the word woman should awaken wor- 
shipful impulses bringing a picture of brightness 
and hope— a picture of human life as it ought to 
be— normal and satisfying. For woman induces 
man to look upward. She has so lived that man 
may expect to behold in her the very embodiment 
of Good— of kindness and peaceableness. History 



64 FRIENDSHIP 

has proven that she will certainly manifest sym- 
pathy, understanding and co-operation. 

By what she has been, through the ages, woman 
has proven that with her is a perfume of serenity — 
a fragrance that brings rest and pleasure — and well- 
nigh guarantees a wonderful, sweet and satisfying 
companionship — the completion of the unit, man; 
the complement of evolved masculine qualities. 

Woman means a presence as of an angel of 
light — an entity which banishes dirt, vulgarity and 
baseness as well as loneliness and which thrills man 
with inspiration and noble purpose. Woman is the 
supreme benediction as shown by the history of the 
race, whereby the thinking man says with bated 
breath, the holy word, mother, or whispers in happy 
appreciation, wife. It beams its beneficence in the 
helpfulness of sister, and the charm, joy and com- 
fort of an intelligent, interested and interesting 
friend — one who understands. 

To be a lady, then, might or might not mean the 
possession of the attributes of woman. But to be 
worthy to be called woman one must realize the 
nobility of the title and live up to that concept. 
To be called a woman means that one is classified 
with that vast army of sweet souls whose capacity 
to do and suffer and sacrifice — to uplift, inspire and 
comfort — to live unselfishly and serve, without hope 
of reward other than the knowledge of having done 
her privileged part in the welfare of those she loved. 
Such have been the fulcrum from which GOOD has 
operated in the experience of humanity through the 
ages. These things have made the word woman 
to be the sweetest, holiest title that can be ad- 
dressed to a member of the gentler sex. 



MAN 

Man is the generic term for humankind. The 
entirety cannot rightly be divided into two sex 
divisions since neither part could exist without the 
other. Hence, to speak of a "superior sex" or an 
''inferior sex," is absurd. The only time we could 
consistently refer to either part of the entirety, 
would be in view of a specific use, whether one or 
the other part would be preferable to fill the exist- 
ing need. But for the purpose of book-making or 
the elucidation of certain points — or, as it were, for 
the presentation of a bone (of contention) to a pair 
of puppies in order to give them something to growl 
and fuss about — it is a common practice to consider 
the two halves separately. 

For home-making, comfort and exercise of the 
gentler qualities, the feminine element would be in 
her glory ; for building a sky-scraper, send for the 
masculine. Notwithstanding, a woman may repre- 
sent the masculine qualities, just as a man may 
sometimes represent the feminine qualities. How- 
beit in the ultimate, each soul shall be complete in 
itself. Meantime, each part may exchange places 
with the other on occasion, although best results 
obtain when each remains in his and her natural 
and normal sphere. 

What then, is meant by the expression : "That 
fellow is a man!"? 

In one aspect a man is simply a male human, 
come to full stature, strong in body, fully matured 
and able to take a normal adult's part in the world's 
afifairs. To be a man in this regard, would mean 



66 FRIENDSHIP 

for the subject to be fit, capable and willing to serve 
humanity and be of use ; one who had reached the 
full development of his capacities — the ideal ful- 
fillment of the seed from which he sprang — the 
maximum of power and capability for the species 
he represents; a normal specimen of the genera, 
man. 

In another aspect, the expression, a man, could 
refer to the character as reflected in conduct — as 
in benevolence, generosity and the like. For in- 
stance, in the case of the ancient gladiator days, 
two men would be matched to fight. They meas- 
ured skill, physical endurance, speed, courage and 
similar masculine qualities. When one had been 
worsted — out-done, and acknowledged himself 
beaten, being disarmed, the winner might spare his 
life. That would be playing the part of a man. 

Or in more modern days, if two men engaged in 
a boxing bout, and one in time were bested, it would 
not be the part of a man to continue beating him 
after he had cried, "enough !" 

Or in the game of war : if in a skirmish one side 
were worsted and hoisted the white flag, it would 
be mean and unmanly of the commanding officer to 
fail to heed the appeal for mercy, and give the 
signal to ''cease firing." 

To be a man then, is to play the part of upright- 
ness, fairness and nobility, and exercise considera- 
tion for a beaten foe. 

Thus in civil life, when one takes oath of office 
and agrees to discharge certain public duties, and 
finds secret opportunity for graft — the betrayal of 
trust — the chance of self-advancement by neglect of 



MAN 67 

duty ; by the acceptance of bribes, or of allowing 
crooks to operate, or prisoners to escape ; and in 
the face of disapproval of his fellow politicians, loss 
of reputation owing to their machinations wrought 
in self-protection, if this tested one keep the path 
of honor and fidelity, it should be said of him, ''That 
fellow is a man !" 

When one loves a woman, marries her and does 
his best for her, yet finds that she is allowing her- 
self to indulge in weaknesses, and her husband 
learns of it, accepts her penitence, loves her still, 
and tries to help her overcome her evil tendencies, 
ministers to her as before, this fellow is in the man 
class. 

When one loves a woman so much that her hap- 
piness is his happiness no matter whether or not 
he be included in her scheme of things — if he has 
taken her into his bosom and then learned that he 
could not fill the place in her heart and life that he 
had hoped to fill ; that another man meant happi- 
ness to her, and he is willing to let her go her way, 
willing to step aside, this fellow is also in the man 
class. 

Or, take it in the business world : Should one 
find that his partner has played him false and he 
gather indisputable, convincing, incriminating evi- 
dence and make his partner come face to face with 
it, thereby obtaining a full confession; then, should 
he forgive his erring comrade, nor push the case, 
nor seek revenge, nor nurture bitterness in his own 
heart. Surely such a pilgrim deserves to be called 
a man. 

If all the hopes of a life seem fair fulfilled and 



68 FRIENDSHIP 

then the fell hand of Disaster sweep them all away; 
if the disciple find himself shorn of youth, with 
health impaired as well ; should that unfortunate 
or tested one have the heart to start again, make 
the best of the existing conditions, pick up his 
worn-out tools and begin life all over again, then 
this representative of humankind deserves to have 
said of him, "That fellow is a man." 

If one have the courage of his convictions and 
stand alone, firm, unshaken by assaults of eloquence 
or taunts of the hateful — stand pat and unflinching 
against the whole wide world : 

If one seem guilty and yet refuse to squeal, faces 
incarceration in prison, consignment to an alms- 
house, or the gallows, to protect a woman : 

If one equip himself with education and a dis- 
ciplined body to serve humanity, not for wealth, 
fame or favor of a lovely woman — solely to do 
good, serve God by serving man, without selfish 
reservation or selfish ambition : 

If one forego the normal rights and privileges 
as a duty in order to provide for aged or infirm 
parents : 

If one can patiently bear imposition ; unreason- 
able demands ; false accusations ; suspicion ; the 
withholding of due reward ; the deferring of hopes, 
without reviling — without losing faith in God or 
his fellowmen; without blaming anyone, realizing 
that the wrong the other fellow does is usually done 
because the doer cannot help it : 

If one can stand on his own feet, not be a leaner 
— can be a kite and not merely a tail-piece for 
somebodv else's ; if he can bravely contend for 



MAN 69 

right when it is time to fight, or patiently endure 
when it is time to wait ; if one can live an unselfish 
life, unattached, demanding nothing but the priv- 
ilege of being of use; if one persist faithfully, in- 
telligently, in adhering to principle, is calm in 
danger, strong in affliction, patient in tribulation, 
good-natured in the face of vexing trials, honest in 
the face of temptation, truthful even though it 
would be more popular to lie : 

If one avoids taking advantage of the weakness or 
ignorance of others ; is also conscientious about the 
discharge of self-assumed obligations, then this 
candidate is attaining a high grade — is rising to 
such a standard of character-excellence as would 
match in nobility the attributes of the other half of 
mankind — Woman. Of such a worthy specimen 
might it well be said, "That fellow is a man!'* 



\/ 



^ 



WORDS 

To me there is an unspeakable charm about 
Words. It is a source of delight to string them 
together as a strand of pearls. Their infinite va- 
riety of combination is always cause for wonder. 
And it is the writer's happy privilege and natural 
province, to assemble ideas and clothe them in 
suitable Words for the stimulation of mental pro- 
cesses in other people, serving as in the capacity 
of mouth-piece for persons possessed of less facil- 
ity of expression. 

The present scribe feels no hesitancy in plac- 
ing before his readers in a public print the Senti- 
ments herein given, because of his conviction that 
it is the spirit, the principle, that we love in any- 
one, and that ths spirit is common to many. This 
does away with excessive egotism and also shows 
us that that which we felt, on the old basis of think- 
ing, was distinctively individual, is only that eter- 
nal trait or quality of goodness, manifested by the 
particular person whom we have in mind. These 
utterances then, are not only for the special friend 
to whom they were originally written, but apply 
equally to all persons who are worthy of such esti- 
mation. There are many to whom such praise and 
appreciation is due, who find precious little of it 
along the pathway of life. To those I offer a 
message — that their worth is not unavailing and 
that their deeds of goodness are irrevocably rec- 
orded by Him who marks the sparrow's fall ; and 
that by such deeds are they building mansions 
where rust and moth doth not corrupt, nor thieves 
break in and steal. 



WORDS 71 

In other words, the present writer feels that all 
which the individual may cognize as possible of 
classification and identificaton, has been manifested, 
reflected by countless millions before he came into 
the present sense of being. Wherefore it seems 
proper to take the premise that everything which 
to the individual has been helpful and happifying, 
in any relationship, is something which may be 
enjoyed without measure — something which is 
enduring. For behold, it is fabricated out of that 
stuff which is as indestructible as the universe. 

The present writer has been blessed with many 
sweet friends. One who was a little selfish in her 
thinking — somewhat exclusive — replied to one of his 
pretty speeches, "That is very fine but how many 
have you told that to?" The correct answer was, 
"As many as I have met who seemed to deserve 
it." And that is why I publish these personal sal- 
utations. 

We may rest then, in the assurance that every 
fine quality that has endeared any friend to us is 
permanent because it is good — spiritual and eter- 
nal. For evil andi decay are consuming them- 
selves into nothingness. But these beloved traits, 
these virtues existed in the mind of the Original 
Builder before time was. They existed in real 
world before the particular human whom one has 
loved, was born into mundane existence. There- 
fore they will continue after the friend who mani- 
fested them has passed on — -either to other earthly 
environment or into the Great Beyond. A source 
of joy exists for the people who are fortunate 
enough to cognize them. 

Because of these reflections the present writer 



72 FRIENDSHIP 

experiences no sense of indelicacy in allowing 
anyone to read these humble lines. For only those 
who share sufficiently the love of beauty and good- 
ness — all that is capable of awakening- lofty as- 
pirations — will care to peruse these pages. 

They and he are kindred spirits and there exists 
between us such bonds as guarantee mutual 
trust. The reader knows it is a joy to write — to 
have read, shared, what one has given out of his 
inmost heart. And he who, writes dares hope that 
there will also be joy to the reader in entering into 
these realms of thought with the writer. This is 
one form of companionship. Let us enjoy these 
thoughts together. We are friends. I would not 
write did I not expect to find you. You would not 
read were you not able to respond to these vibra- 
tions, for you could not approve thereof and would 
turn away. 

Words seem to me much like the colored threads 
employed by a skilled artisan in the weaving of a 
wonderful, multi-colored tapestry; or as the paints 
in the hands of a skilled and consecrated artist ; or 
as the tones employed by the musician in fashion- 
ing beautiful melodies and rhythms and chords. 
Yet all of these may be vividly described in words. 
Hence in many ways man is gifted with tools and 
materials whereby to mimic the power of Nature 
to group, assemble, blend, solidify or disperse pri- 
mary elements, or lights and shades as seen at 
dawn in the Arctic sky or at sunset in the tropics. 

The Words hereinafter set forth under the gen- 
eral caption of Sentiments were originally as- 
sembled for the purpose of accompanying gifts to 



WORDS 73 

beloved friends. But the Words were greater than 
the material offering because they came from the 
treasure-vaults of the heart. Holding thoughts of 
Beauty and Goodness cultivates the spiritual na- 
ture. Such words are too sacred to be humanly 
personal or limited. 




^^x 



FRIENDSHIP'S HARVEST 

In the life of the writer hereof the Fruits of 
Friendship are reflected by the following: 

Sentiments 

On a Useful Article 

Permit me, please, dear sweet lady (or man), 
precious friend, to attempt by the means of this 
humble gift, to express a little of the joy and grati- 
tude I have to God for the privilege of knowing you 
and holding for such a time as it may be my lot to 
enjoy, the position I hold toward you and you to- 
ward me. For I know that, whatever may or may 
not come to pass in your life or mine, Memory will 
ever hold the happy hours of peace and holy pleas- 
ure I have been privileged to enjoy through the 
mercy of having found the solace of that you have 
given me in being yourself and in caring a little for 
me. 

God bless you then, and bring you everything that 
your heart desires, which may be good for you to 
have. May you unfold in beauty, beauty of person 
and soul alike, in understanding, riches of mind, 
friends — find your right place in God's great uni- 
verse and fulfill it and your divine mission, with 
joy. 

H: ■^ -^ 

On a Gift of Music 

Gravestones are seldom seen on other than Mem- 
orial Day. 

The best tablet then, is that which we write in the 
minds and hearts of those with whom we come in 



FRIENDSHIP'S HARVEST 75 

contact — those nearest and dearest to us. 

May the memory of the writer soothe, cheer and 
stir to nobility of life and character, like meaningful 
music. 

Be g-entle, kind and just; 

Fear not, but hope and trust. 



On a Somewhat Pretentious Gift 

It is not well to be suspicious. Neither is it good 
to be too saguinely trustful. Remember the prayer 
of the man who had suffered betrayal : "God of 
Justice, save me I beseech Thee, from my friends, 
and I myself will take care of my enemies." 

False friends and designing persons who feign 
friendship, by oily words, sometimes slip within 
the camp and poison our entire army of loyal de- 
fenders. 



To a New Friend 

It has been but a short time since I first made 
your acquaintance. You wear well. The longer I 
know you the better I like you. I, count as happy, 
those who have the privilege of more extended as- 
sociation ; for, if you are half as sweet as you appear 
to be, the world is richer for your being in it. 



INITIATIVE 

Initiative would seem to comprehend the ability 
to elect for one's self a definite course in life and 
follow it unswervingly — according to one's highest 
light, ability, apprehension of the Divine Will and 
the abnegation of self, the carnal mind, or material 
personality. 

The successful life is that in which the individual 
looks upon the experiences which come as being 
necessary for the learning of lessons prescribed by 
the Higher Power; where the individual perceives 
that suffering is the most salutary means of growth ; 
and therefore counts it joy to be reckoned worthy 
to take his stripes and share of woe, saying, "My 
God — my life, consecrated to Thee, is wholly in thy 
hands. Do unto me what seemeth to Thee good." 

The successful life is that in which initiative plays 
no uncertain part, but directs the steps whereby the 
soul is inspired to look upward with steady gaze, 
single-eyed, high-purposed, choosing rightly the 
things of real value and appreciating them. 

I am proud to know a good woman who, looking 
for the real treasuresf, has not despised to look in a 
lowly place for a grain of Truth, nor the humble 
efforts of one child of God who is striving to find 
the way to worthily give utterance to helpful 
thoughts and express himself becomingly. 



THE INEVITABLE TRAIL 

Everyone in passing through this human experi- 
ence, leaves behind a trail, where his life has touched 
those of his fellow sojourners. We are remembered, 
missed, because of what we have been to our little 
circle of friends — for the good we have done ; the 
service rendered ; the use we have been to other 
strugglers. 

I aspire to leave behind a trail of gentle, helpful 
deeds, so that when I have passed on, at least a 
few will realize that I have been of some little value 
to them — some inspiration to live their best, their 
noblest for God and those who love them. 

If the little remembrances it has been my privi- 
lege to give you, can help to establish and maintain 
a place in your memory for me, I am happy and am 
in your debt. 



EQUILIBRIUM 

There is a lesson which you and I need to learn — 
a lesson of equilibrium — that we shall not lose our 
poise, our peace of mind, when the gift we offer in 
pride and confidence, is lightly esteemed. We must 
learn not to be sad or bitter when that to which 
one has given much thought and effort to prepare, 
and such satisfaction in offering, in love, is received 
with scorn — is not wanted by the one we may wish 
to honor and bless. 

But we must become big enough to eliminate 
self-pity to such an extent that we can advance our 
products without feelings — and forget them. For 



78 FRIENDSHIP 

the object is to produce that which will by its own 
merit, choice and fitness, win acceptance and favor 
at once. 

Yet we must must not forget that there are many- 
slaves in this world — slaves to grudge, jealousy — to 
appetites, passions, vice, selfishness, greed, avarice, 
lust and fame ; slaves to wrath, malice and covetous- 
ness. Notwithstanding, those who do hunger for 
love, kindness, righteousness and peace, may be 
fed and blessed by what you and I can offer — of the 
fruits of heart or head — or by some little act of 
gentle courtesy — or by just avoiding depression — 
being downed by the disappointments, crosses, 
losses or hardships of the day; by not permitting 
ourselves to become taciturn, morose and bitter. 

Cheer up. Maybe we can give someone who hun- 
gers even as you and I, the very thing he needs 
and seeks, just by a bit of pleasantness, a smile, a 
gentle pat, smoothing back his hair, or taking his 
arm — a kind word, a look or a hand-clasp — anything 
that carries a message of appreciation, understand- 
ing, sympathy or approval. There is indeed, a science 
in giving — not only of our gifts, but ourselves — our 
influence; a science in letting our light shine, that 
men may see Good — good-works — and glorify the 
Father which is in heaven. 



HARBOR SALUTE 

The experience of most of us in life has been such 
as makes us able to appreciate and understand, how 
the men must have felt who, having risked all and 
braved much, yet FAILED and could only come to 
and view the promised land — a land flowing with 



HARBOR SALUTE 79 

milk and honey — a land of beauty, prosperity, com- 
fort, rest and peace. But they were not permitted 
to possess the Prize. 

In reading the Biblical record, while we sympa- 
thize with those disappointed men, yet we can also 
see the justice of the sentence. But in our own 
case, oftimes we have not been able to see why we 
have had to accept the fate that has come to us. 

But it is proper to try to awaken humanity to a 
more lively appreciation of their blessings and urge 
those who do find a way to possess the fulfillment 
of the desires of their hearts, to do so with the joy 
of understanding and appreciation — gratitude — for 
the rare privilege which it has been their good for- 
tune to experience. 

I am proud to acknowledge you as a friend and 
will always hold in grateful remembrance, the sus- 
tenance of mercy — the milk of human kindness, 
which I have received at your hands. 

May time deal gently with you and the Good 
Father lead you and bless you with the fulfillment 
of the desires of your heart, insofar as the same may 
be to your ultimate good. I salute you, a worthy 
friend. I pray you stand — steadfast, immovable — 
in your attitude toward life, the will of God and 
progress — the course you have elected to take. 

May the influences and help you require, come to 
you speedily. And however soon my acquaintance 
— the accident of our salutations in passing on the 
ocean of life — however soon I may be forgotten, I 
hope the worthy words — the bits of Truth it has 
been my privilege to speak or write to you may 
live in your thought, to bless and comfort you at 
the moments of trial and testing, along life's rough, 



80 FRIENDSHIP 

rocky, wreck-bestrewn way. May your disappoint- 
ments be as rare as rain in the desert, and your 
hours of gratified expectation be as common as 
shells on the seashore. 

May the tender light of the full moon — the star- 
shine of the peaceful night, never open your soul to 
list to the sigh of the whispering zephyrs which 
waft through the miles and the years, the sobs of 
human hearts that yearn for the unattainable and 
grow sick in the pain of deferred hopes and bitter 
disappointments ; may you ever be dead to the 
cry of the souls that have ploughed in the desert, 
and the moan of the lonely voyager who floats on a 
raft of wreckage in a troubled sea. 

And yet I would not have you become cold and 
hard, hidden in the lap of luxury and ease. While I 
fain would protect you from unavailing tears and 
sympathies, would shield you from the coarse or 
vulgar; would spare you from being burdened or 
concerned with woes and ills you could not miti- 
gate, yet I would have you strong and brave, — ever 
ready to bless and help. I would have you able to 
recognize the calls that properly belong to you — 
would have you answer them with divine prompt- 
nes and sincerity as did that blessed One Avho trod 
the shores of Galilee. Also, I would have you able 
to reject that which is outside your borders and be- 
yond your capacities. 

richness your friendship has been to me. Haying 
known you, I feel better acquainted with God and 
His work. 



THE REWARD OF DISCRETION 81 



THE REWARD OF DISCRETION 

I am glad to know you — namely, a gentle-woman 
— one who is a credit to her sex, having kept her 
charm and grown more sw^eet as the mile-stones of 
life have been passed. 

The term gentlevv^oman, seems quite satisfactory 
and I am pleased to reflect that you are the em- 
bodiment of that word — that you have attained and 
maintained womanly charms and virtue. And this 
has come about not as a natural result of your hav- 
ing had a sharp tongue — and irascible temper so as 
to cause men to evade your society ! Nor is your 
unsullied state due to unsavoriness as of a hussy — 
whereby a lover of wholesomeness would despise 
your proximity. Nor again, is your estate the re- 
sult of repulsiveness personally, as of one afflicted 
with the curse of ugliness, or of the impossible-ness 
of ignorance, not yet the bigotry of self-conceit. 

No — your present state is not due to aught of 
this, but rather, by the sheer power of principle, 
preference, the innate and self-approved love of 
that which is refined, noble and beautiful — yea, the 
very love of righteousness — the development of 
Discretion. 

With your equipment of body, mind and soul, 
you will have friends wherever you go. I wish you 
everything good and am glad it has been my priv- 
ilege to salute so trim and staunch a ship as your- 
self on the ocean of life. It is good that the salu- 
tation has not been in the night, but in the day, 
where I could the better see what manner of barque 
you are. For, in these days, there be many pirates, 
(vampires), and tramp-ships (adventuresses) afloat 



82 FRIENDSHIP 

upon the sea of life. Indeed the insight of man- 
kind is sorely taxed and no one is immune from 
the deceptive practices and impositions of these. 
Indeed, it is very difficult in the fact of present-day 
artfulness along these lines, to really know who 
is who among the attractive and illusive fair sex. 
But in your case, I have seen and known you — ■ 
come to realize that you are one representative of 
your kind who is leal and true, genuine, and free 
of guile. Therefore with respect and appreciation, 
I salute you — as a Ship from the Harbor of God, 
the Captain of which is Christ It is therefore a 
cause for rejoicing that I have been privileged to 
meet and know you — to have had the benediction 
of a little association with you. 

Permit me to remark that, should it by any mis- 
chance, seem to you that you have missed any good 
thing in this life, you should take comfort in this as- 
surance that the things you have obtained have 
been more valuable. Trials, difficulties, suffering 
are like the refiner's fire, removing the dross and 
purifying the gold. 

Well, then, whatever your life has been — 
smooth or rough, — characterized by abundance or 
scarcity — we find you as you are, whereby you may 
say with Paul, "I thank God that I am that I am." 
For, Selah — you are individual, wholesome, blessed. 
To me it seems that this must be the harvest of 
habitually choosing wisely — the reward of Discre- 
tion — of sticking to principle and the Better Way. 



A TRUE WOMAN 

Of any true woman it may be said that the extent 
of her influence can hardly be measured. She can- 
not know what a blessing it has been to the needy 
world that SHE has been. Nor is it probable that 
she has any idea how much good she can yet do for 
humanity by simply continuing to be herself; by 
remaining in the midst of those among whom her 
lot may be cast. 

As for you personally I have something to say : 
namely that you have evolved a womanhood, a 
sweetness, a presence — a soul and its garment — 
that makes your nearness a benediction to many 
who are privileged to meet you. I have observed 
that both sexes, all ages of people offer the same 
testimony. Your presence convinces not only of 
your own chaste, well-ordered life, but also en- 
courages the larger thought that virtue, true wom- 
anhood, are not dead with the dead past, but live, 
even in our day. And proceeding, our thought 
rises higher and we know by your sweet presence 
that the Main-stay still supports his universe — 
that God is! We are happily reminded thereby 
of His existence as guaranteed by the fact that vir- 
tue is — goodness is — evidenced by womankind. 

Wherefore I am happy to know you and to have 
this opportunity of testifying that I feel you have 
bestowed a blessing upon many whom you have 
never met, because those who have beheld you 
have felt that you are indeed, just what you appear 
to be — that you are the genuine article — and there- 
fore proof of the reasonableness of faith in humanity. 

In being yourself, you are exhibiting a bit of the 
handiwork of the Divine Father-Mother. You are 



84 FRIENDSHIP 

calling attention to the fact that purity, refinement, 
decency, self-respect, love, kindness, mercy and un- 
selfishness can really be attained even in this day 
and age, by the soul who is made of the right mettle 
and dares attempt purging herself of the dross of 
carnality and frivilousness. 

The writer hereof is glad to have met you and 
would commend your constancy — your fidelity to 
your own high ideals. Likewise your genial spirit 
which beams a blessing on all around without undue 
familiarity. Furthermore, that your many woman- 
ly attributes make you a "dulce Companera" as our 
Spanish friends say — a sweet companion. 



AS FROM MAN TO MAN 

I am glad to have this opportunity of telling you 
what I think of you and only hope you can endure 
the shock. There are people in the world, who if 
they had as much brains as they have temper, 
would be great folks. But this does not include 
you and that's one thing I sort of like you for — you 
don't fly off the handle too easy ; and when you do 
get mad, you are still amenable to reason and fair 
treatment. 

Come to think of it, don't know as you are such 
a bad sort of cuss after all. In fact, I don't know 
but w^hat if more fellows were made after your 
pattern, this would be a better world and more 
comfortable to live in. 

Don't know as anyone would ever vamp you for 
your good looks any more than they would for the 
limitless wealth that you haven't got — but even at 



AS FROM MAN TO MAN 85 

that you look plenty good to me. Those streaks of 
gray in your hair are rather becoming in a way, 
and the crow's-feet about your eyes seem to match 
their merry twinkle. Your familiar face kinda 
beams so that a fellow feels a good sensation of 
bein' to home when he's around you, and that havin' 
a friend is pretty nice. You grin pretty easy too— 
and some way, I have a notion that any homely old 
mug looks good with a smile on it — not castin' any 
reflections on your map 

Looks don't amount to much anyway. But char- 
acter counts a heap. I sure do appreciate your 
spirit of usefulness, whereby you are always trying 
to find something practical and good to do to help 
a guy along. You've always been, "Johnny on the 
Spot," when I have been in a pinch and needing 
help pronto. And you are a knowin' sort of a gink 
and seem to get ideas right off the reel. And I like 
the way you keep it up — make out to be reliable as 
well as capable— and don't get tired bein' that same 
easy-goin' cuss that you are. 

I like you because you are a man's man — with a 
fair share of human faults and frailties so as not to 
be so perfect as to make the rest of us feel uncom- 
fortable. And then I've found you trustworthy so 
that I could tell you the worst I know of myself 
and not lose you nor any part of the warmth of 
fellowship that has so long existed between us. It's 
sure been a blessing too. 

Another thing I like you is that you're hearty 
and outspoken, strong and positive, yet big enough 
to allow a pal to differ with you in some conclu- 
sions and you not get disgusted with him on that 
account. I have found you to be honest and sm- 



86 FRIENDSHIP 

cere — also a harmonious sort of a cuss — inclined 
to be agreeable ; ready to be serious when occasion 
requires, and at other times, ready to make or take 
a joke. 

I like you because you are square and have tried 
to do your part in life as a man should. I don't 
like fellows who dodge their apparent duty. I like 
the way you have braced up to your life's problems 
and not grumbled nor whined when the way you 
had to travel was rough and steep and the burdens 
you had to bear were numerous and heavy till they 
made you sweat. 

In short, I'll say that if more people were as fine 
folks as you, heaven would not have much better 
to offer so far as society goes and the world so much 
better a place in which to live that everybody would 
know the millineum was ushered in. 

Darn you — I like you just on general principles 
but mostly, bless your warm heart, I'm bound to 
say, I love you because you haven't any better 
sense than to love me. I know that doggone well. 
Wherefore, all said and done, I'm plumb proud to 
have you for a friend and here's a hand on it! 




^ 



THE DEGREE CONFERRED 

The goal of the college student is a Degree — as 
Bachelor of Arts, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of 
Medicine, Doctor of Law or what-not. But the 
supreme goal of the student in the University of 
Life — the College of Character-building — is the 
commendation of President and Faculty — the Di- 
vine *'Us" who said in the beginning, ''Come, let us 
make man in our image and likeness." 

We are in the world, though should not be of the 
world, worldly — given to fevellings and self-grati- 
fication. And it is good for us to know we are al- 
Icwed the wholesome association and communion 
with our fellows, the household of faith or even 
the little flock. And so the earnest student is glad 
for the approval also of his associates, the Student 
Body — his class-mates — and companion-pilgrims 
along Ife's pathway. 

For happiness is the rightful heritage of every 
erdeavorer; every student in the University of 
Knowledge of God — students of Divine Science — 
the Truth of the Universe and of the sublime 
Architect. Yet, the veil of mortal thought is often 
permitted to prevent the freshman from claiming 
his own, hiding from him by its mist, the better 
portion. 

In the process of finding the way to possess one's 
self of sufficient good to make life really worth 
the living, TODAY, it is usually found that these 
same companions, boosters, fellow-pilgrims, play 
no small part — particularly those elect whom we 
find most congenial and helpful and whom we call 
friends. 



88 FRIENDSHIP 

In your own particular case, may I be permitted 
to say that you have been valuable to me. You 
are as one of the jewels on the tapestry of the Altar 
of Life. You are to me that which might be lik- 
ened to a quiet inland nook near the Great Sea of 
Infinity ; or as a Friendly Ship in mid-ocean which 
offers refuge to a wing-weary dove ; or as a Pleas- 
ant Valley hedged by sheltering mountains — a 
Place where no rough winds may blow nor rude 
storms mar the peace thereof; where no boisterous 
gales nor devouring fires can disturb the sweet 
calm and satisfaction of that heaven-given retreat, 
w'here one may go and rest and replenish needful 
things that have been spent thus far on the jour- 
ney. 

We are all travelling somewhat different direc- 
tions — or, as it were, to the same goal by different 
routes. Our work is different — our needs are dif- 
ferent; our stages of development are different; we 
are growing at different rates of speed. Therefore 
it is not strange that we cannot find many with 
whom we rhyme, match in rhythm and harmonize. 

You have been valuable to me because you have 
made me feel that you were one person who really 
appreciated my society — really liked to be where I 
was — a person who approved of my aspirations, my 
work, my thoughts ; one who was sincerely inter- 
ested in me and my various phases of endeavor ; 
one who fully appreciated that degree of good to 
which it has been my lot thus far to attain, that 
degree of good of which I have up to this time, be- 
come conscious. 

Thinking of your unselfish love, graces of char- 
acter, sound mind, gentleness, honesty, wealth of 



THE DEGREE CONFERRED 89 

humanity, godly aspirations, I am proud to salute 
you and call you by the royal title hereby bestowed, 
*Triend." Wherefore I ask you to accept this 
written evidence of the manner in which I hold 
you in my thought, and hereafter reckon this humble 
document as tangible evidence of your possession 
hereof. 

God does not learn virtue, mercy and justice, 
from man, but man from God. Hence, since you 
have been examined and tested by the Student 
Body which I have the honor to represent and 
given high rating, surely you are safe with Him. 
And Oh, the harmony, the music — the peace and 
bliss that shall be as we gather with those we love 
— kindred spirits at home in their Father's man- 
sions; in tune with each other and the Infinite — 
when we all mutually understand; when the Truth 
is clear and sin and suffering, stumbling, perplexity, 
weakness and loneliness are no more! 

In view of the commendation of the Student 
Body I dare offer to you these presents, and confer 
upon you the Degree of '"Friend of God and Man" 
— and — mine! 



FINIS 



iiiinSi 



